Ordering number:AS24212

Katana in Shirasaya(NBTHK Hozon Token)(Origami estimation paper)

Signature: Nagamitsu
長光

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyo Saku for Nagamitsu.
Polished
Habaki: Single Copper Habaki
Blade Length: 66.6 cm (26.22 in)
Curvature: 1.6 cm (0.63 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base: 3.25 cm (1.28 in)
Width at Tip: 2.04 cm (0.80 in)
Thickness: 0.75 cm (0.30 in)
Sword Weight: 770 g (1.70 lbs)
Era: Showa period
Shape: Wide blade with substantial thickness, large remaining ha, moderate curvature, and a long boshi.
Jigane: Tightly forged ko-itame hada, becoming a plain ji.
Hamon: Nioi-based with small ashi, rounded boshi.

Features: During wartime, Shigetaro Emura, the warden of Okayama Prison, aimed to rehabilitate well-behaved prisoners by having them craft swords. He invited Ichiryushi Nagamitsu, a swordsmith from Okayama, to supervise and teach the inmates. Nagamitsu, known for being a Rikugun Jumei Tosho (army-appointed swordsmith), guided the prisoners, leading to variability in the craftsmanship and sometimes rough finishes. However, well-polished examples reveal high-quality jigane. Nagamitsu's signature can vary, including "Nagamitsu," "Ichiryushi Saku," "Ichiryushi Nagamitsu," and "Bizen Kuni Oju Ichiryushi Nagamitsu Saku."

Aoi Art’s Comment: Generally, swords made during the war are referred to as Showato and have been undervalued, partly due to the presence of non-traditional swords. However, many well-forged pieces exist and are now highly valued. One reason for the previous low appraisal was the often rough polishing. This sword, crafted under the supervision of Ichiryushi Nagamitsu at Okayama Prison, is a robust and well-made piece with excellent jigane. We highly recommend it.

NBTHK Hozon Token(*will be issued later)
Origami estimation paper
AoiArt estimation paper
Whole Oshigata
*Please note: The price does not include shipping fees.

Auction Starting Price:350,000JPY

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