|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hamon : Nioi deki choji gunome midare. The the nioi guchi is tight and bright. There are many yo. The yo are in center of the gunome kashira. Ashi are abundant
Boshi : Omaru and medium kaeri
Kitae : Itame hada that is prominent and clear. Ji-nie and chikei are present.
Sayagaki: "Suifu ju Sukemitsu. Manen Gannen Juichi gatsu hi ki ari kore. Gunome Choji Tokui no saku nari. Hacho 2 shaku 5 sun 6 bu ari kore. Showa Kinoe-tora Aki Kichijitsu. Kanzan shirusu (Kao)."
(Suifu ju Sukemitsu. Made in November of 1860. Gunome Choji his most famous hamon. The length is 2 shaku 5 sun 6 bu. Dr. Kanzan Sato wrote this Sayagaki in Autumn of 1974.)
About this sword : Sukemitsu was called Yokoyama Zenjuro and used the mei, Fujiwara Sukemitsu. He was most active in times around Genji (1864-1865). At the recommendation of the famous smith Katsumura Norikatsu, he became the personal smith of the Mito Han. These were samurai of the highly martial nature due to the mounting pressure of Bakumatsu times. This is evident by their practice of Aratameshi with extreme parameters. Please read this article for more information about the Mito samurai's practice of sword testing. Needless to say, being retained by the Mito Han speaks highly of both the cutting ability and durability of Sukemitsu's work. He passed away on July 13th, 1873.
This blade is a important example of Sukemitsu work. This katana has a nagasa of over 30 inches. It is signed, dated and has a long ubu nakago with one mekugiana. This hamon is Sukemitsu's style and the blade is really a representative text book example of his work. Accompanied by a Sayagaki by the late Kazan Sato and a NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon paper. Full polish , restored in Japan and a flawless blade. Truly, a katana that is easy to recommend in all regards.
Price: $13,500
|
|
|
