Ordering number: AS24560

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: (Gold-powder signature) Hishu Kunisuke
Hon’ami (Kao) (Kosan)
(金粉銘) 肥州国資
本阿(花押)(光遜)

Era: Chu-Koto: Higo
This blade is rated as Jyo Saku (superior work) by our standards.
For works by Hishu Kunisuke, this piece is classified as a Jyojyo Saku (very superior work).
Habaki: Single gold-foil layer
Blade Length: 69.6 cm (27.4 in)
Curvature: 1.3 cm (0.51 in)
Mekugi Hole: 4 (3 plugged)
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.55 cm (1.0 in)
Width at Tip: 1.71 cm (0.67 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.52 cm (0.2 in)
Sword Weight: 540 grams
Era: Around 1346, Shohei period
Shape: This is an unsigned (mumei) katana with a well-proportioned, standard blade width, a moderately deep curvature, and an extended tip (kissaki). The tang (nakago) bears a gold-inlaid signature reading “Higo Kunisuke” along with the Hon’ami Kao (Kosan).
Jigane: The finely forged small itame-hada (small wood grain pattern) forms a beautiful, dense jigane with visible utsuri (a shadowy reflection effect).
Hamon: The hamon is a nie-deki suguha (straight temper line with nie crystals), producing a bright, clear appearance.
On the shinogi-ji, there is a mixed texture of itame-hada, mokume-hada, and masame-hada, contributing to its overall activity.

Features: Kunisuke was the son of Enju Kuniyasu. His skillfully refined small itame-hada results in excellent jigane with utsuri.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Shakudo with a textured surface, depicting plum blossoms on both sides. The front side shows a plum and bush warbler, with the rim wrapped in shakudo.
Fuchikashira: Shibuichi base with a design of a monkey and human figure in iro-e (colored metal inlay).
Saya (Scabbard): Painted reddish-brown with black line patterns.
Menuki: Shakudo base with a bamboo blind design in gold inlay.
Aoi Art’s Comment: This Hishu Kunisuke (gold-inlaid signature) piece is set in a shirasaya with a luxurious koshirae, crafted with intricate fittings. It is an exceptionally well-made piece.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:1,850,000JPY

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