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Hamon : Nioi-deki choji gunome midare and koshi-no-hiraita. The nioi-guchi is luminous, of medium width and showing the control/skill of the smith clearly. Ashi and yo are abundant and sunagashi is present.
Boshi : Midare-komi and togari. The nioi guchi is vibrant and the kaeri is elegantly executed.
Kitae : Gorgeous "oily" itame hada mixed with mokume hada. The kitae is amazingly clear. Midare utsuri is present the whole length of the blade.
About this sword : This is a spectacular wakizashi by the Saijo-Saku, O Wazamono Bizen smith, Jirozaemon no Jo Katsumitsu. This sword is especially exciting because it is a zoku-mei example that bears his specific personal name, "Jirozaemon no Jo". With many Bizen smiths, the mei is not generation specific. Knowing which Sukesada, Kiyomitsu etc..an educated guess based on nengo and deki. The mei of this blade is specific to one man, Jirozaemon no Jo Katsumitsu. He is ranked Saijo Saku by Fujishiro. This is the highest rank possible. Jirozaemon no Jo Katsumitsu is listed at 8 million yen in the Tokotaikan. This is a very high mark indeed. This blade represents the pinnacle level of craftsmanship among Sue-Bizen and is a truly treasure to behold.
Jirozaemon no Jo Katsumitsu was the 5th generation of his line. There are dated works spanning his career from 1489 to the last dated blade in 1540. This example is dated February of 1492. It is amazing to hold this blade in one's hand and contemplate that this dates to the same year that Columbus discovered America, but it remains in such an excellent state.
The polish is in perfect condition and top quality. There are no kizu. Every inch of this work exudes quality.
This is accompanied by Dr Junji Honma's saya-gaki. His saya-gaki are highly revered and this is a classic example of his calligraphy. It states: "Bizen no Kuni Ju Osafune Jirozaemon no Jo Katsumitsu. Meio Gannen Ha Nagasa 1 shaku 5 sun 8 bu March of 1985 Written by Kunzan (Honma Junji)(Kao)". A fine double gold foil habaki and top quality shira saya complete this wonderful package. This also has a NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon paper from 1984. Ex Paul Davidson collection (former president of the NBTHK/AB) Ex Professor Arnold Frenzel collection.
SOLD
