Antique Japanese Samurai Sword (Nihonto) in Shirasaya with Koshirae and NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho papers. Signed "Yamato no Kami Fujiwara Kanekura".
The Blade
The blade is in excellent polish with the hamon (Clay Tempering) in irregular suguha, based on nioi(tiny powder like carbide structures). It is of course folded in the traditional style with tight masame hada (straight grain structure). The nakago(Tang) is signed "Yamato no Kami Fujiwara Kanekura", Kanekura of Yamato province (made this) with the honorary title of No Kami Fujiwara (Awarded to smiths by their Daimyo for quality and service). Kanekura was well known to be working during the late 1600's in Mino and Edo (Tokyo). His works are well regarded and known for their refined elegance. The nakago also is suriage (slightly shortened), common for a sword of this age. The NBTHK (Society for the preservation of the Japanese Sword) has awarded this blade worthy of preservation by way of Tokubetsu Kicho Origami. The blade is housed in a new Shirasaya (blade protective mountings).
The Koshirae
The tsuka ito (Handle Binding) is of excellent quality and fashioned from silk. The Ito is very tight and secure, with the samegawa (rayskin) featuring the higher quality emperor node and the full rayskin wrap. The fuchi and kashira are around the late Edo period, fashionen in shakudo with gold inlay pampas grass. The Menuki are armoured sleeves with gold accents. The iron Tsuba features the twin Tomoe with silver pampas grass and flower accents, and appears to be made during the late Edo period. It is a little loose which is common for antique Japanese swords. The edo period saya (Scabbard) is a good fit with a some of dents and scratches. Fitted to the scabbard is a kozuka with a Rooster theme with a small shakudo? kogai(hairpin). The Koshirae has a quality matching Tsunagi (exact replica of the blade in timber) to retain them for display.
We strongly recommend this sword as it is papered, and in great condition with a very tight and elegant grain structure, reminiscent of the better works of the Hizen and Echizen traditions. With the signed blade in a shirasaya and matching koshirae, it makes a classy and wonderful display, fit for a museum.
Blade Length : 70cm
Overall Length : 99cm
