Ordering number:24238

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (65th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Nobutsugu(Aoe)
延次(青江)　

Sayagaki：65th NBTHK Juyo Token
Bicchu Koku Aoe Nobutsugu Saku
Clearly retains the prominent "Oosujichigai" yasurime.
There is a three-character signature on the ubu nakago. Although the same signature is famous among Ko-Aoe, the same name can also be seen inherited in the late Kamakura period.
This work does not follow the usual signature style of Aoe, but rather has a tachi mei with "saku" added. Based on the fact that the hamon is rich in nioi, it is considered to be from the late Kamakura period. The blade presents an elegant shape with a hada mixed with ji-hada and ko-itame forging, featuring a fine suguha with ko-ashi and a slight nioi. It is an excellent piece that exudes a refined and tranquil charm.
The blade length is 2 Syaku 2 Sun
Written by Mr. Tanobe.

Koto: Jyo Saku: Aoe
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku)
This work is ranked as Saijyo Saku.
Polished: Supreme Polishing
Habaki: Gold Foil Single
Blade Length: 67.1 cm (26.42 in)
Curvature: 1.1 cm (0.43 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base: 2.82 cm (1.11 in)
Width at Tip: 1.82 cm (0.72 in)
Thickness: 0.67 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight: 595 g (1.31 lbs)
Era: Mid to Late Kamakura Period
Shape: This piece is very rare with a single mekugi hole in its ubu nakago. It has a deep curvature with an elongated kissaki.
Jigane: Excellent ko-itame hada with prominent utsuri, reminiscent of Awataguchi style.
Hamon: Bright and clear suguha with well-functioning ko-ashi. The boshi is round and returns sharply.

Features: Nobutsugu was the son of Aoe Ietsugu and part of the Ko-Aoe school. His works are extremely rare. While Aoe swords typically have many signatures, some, like this tachi, bear tachi-mei. It is said to be from around the Kencho era of the mid-Kamakura period (1249), making it 774 years old. This sword has a single mekugi hole in its ubu nakago, and the yasurime is visible, which is very rare. The tightly forged jigane with prominent chikei is impressive, and the supreme polish has beautifully brought out the fine details of the jigane. The flawless jigane and the bright, clear hamon are captivating and highly recommended. It is a rare piece with ubu nakago and tachi-mei. This sword, which has been carefully preserved for 774 years, should continue to be cherished in the future.

Koshirae: Han-dachi Koshirae
In the Edo period, it was used by the lord of the Sanga Domain. The koshirae features shakudo nanakoji kojiri and other parts.
Tsuba: Mokko-shaped shakudo nanakoji with a gold-wrapped edge.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanakoji.
Saya: Kin-nashiji saya with six and four butterfly family crests in gold makie on the front and back, originally from the Heike clan.
Menuki: Shakudo with butterfly design.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This is a well-made koshirae and a rare signed Aoe sword with ubu nakago and a single mekugi hole, making it a notable piece in the 65th Juyo Token.

65th NBTHK Juyo Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Price:7,000,000JPY

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