Mishina Large Ko Gatana / O Kozuka blade
"Iga no kami Kinmichi"
"Nihon Kaji Sosho"

Nagasa: 18.6 cm
Nakago length: 9.2 cm
Motohaba: 1.9cm

This is a very large Mishina School ko gatana by Iga no kami Kinmichi. This line of Mishina smiths were permitted to use the inscription "Nihon Kaji Sohsho" ( Master of Japanese Swordsmiths ) as shown on this blade. This was given to the shodai by Tokugawa Iyeyasu and the authority to register swordsmiths and grant titles came with it. This power was passed on to future generations of the line. The Kinmichi smiths were also granted the use of imperial mon and sometimes inscribed the "eda kiku" mon as in this example. There were 10 generations of the Iga no kami Kinmichi line. The Shodai was active around 1590 and the 10th generation received his title of "Iga no kami" in July of 1844. Judging from the health of the blade and the condition of the nakago, we would guess this kozuka is by one of the later generations.

This workmanship of the blade features a suguha hamon with ko-gunome mixed in. There are ko ashi and some small togari. The tip is deeply tempered. The jigane is itame with ample ji nie. Maru mune. Please see the photo below of this kozuka next to two normal size kozuka (two regular kozuka are not included, they are just shown for size reference ). This blade has been nicely preserved and no expense was spared in that regard. It comes with fine Japanese made deluxe shira saya. (Please note the horn inserts and the quality of the wood.) Also, this kozuka has a finely made solid silver habaki. The attention to detail and quality reflects the admiration of previous generations wonderfully. It comes with a storage bag as well.

Overall, this is an exciting item, especially for those who specialize their interests in the Mishina school. Its empirical value for the mei and horimono should also be noted. Offered at a very reasonable price by the owner.

SOLD

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