Ordering number:24105

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (13th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Shikkake)
無銘(尻懸)

Sayagaki: written by Dr. Kunzan
Yamato Shikkake Norinaga
Blade length: 2 shaku 2 sun 9 bu
Showa Kinoto-Mi(1965) year, autumn

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
The work of this mumei (attributed to Shikkake) is ranked as Saijyo Saku.
Polished
Habaki: Gold single habaki
Blade Length: 69.5 cm (27.36 in)
Curvature: 1.5 cm (0.59 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base: 2.95 cm (1.16 in)
Width at Tip: 2.06 cm (0.81 in)
Thickness of Rim: 0.71 cm (0.28 in)
Sword Weight: 805 grams (1.78 lbs)
Era: Late Kamakura period
Shape: This is an o-suriage mumei with a standard width and thickness, having a well-proportioned form.
Jigane: Finely forged ko-itame hada with well-defined ji-nie, resulting in a clear and beautiful jigane.
Hamon: Finely forged masame hada mixed with nijuba in a straight hamon, with small ashi and a rounded boshi.

Features: The Yamato Shikkake school was based in present-day Kashida-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. The name Shikkake is derived from the square stone platform (Shikkake-ishi) used by the mikoshi of the Yamato Shrine for resting. Norinaga was a representative smith. The first generation Norinaga is believed to be the son of Norihiro, with works inscribed with "Third year of Bunpo era (1319), aged 48 years" still in existence. Several generations of smiths with the same name are known to have existed.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Round iron tsuba with intersecting square iron lines, in the Akasaka style.
Fuchi-Kashira: Carved with two animals and gold inlay, signed "Tomozui".
Saya: Red lacquered saya.
Menuki: Design of an armored samurai holding a spear and sword in the style of Mototangawa Sohei.
Aoi Art’s Comment: This sword exemplifies the characteristics of the Shikkake school, with flawless jigane and a remarkable hamon. This is a highly recommended piece. It is part of the 13th Juyo Token, an early important designation, showcasing a beautiful jigane and an impressive hamon. The long boshi features two flowing lines extending towards the tip, embodying the distinct style of the Yamato Shikkake school. The weighty feel and the mixed itame, mokume, and masame patterns further emphasize its historical significance.

13th NBTHK Juyo Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Price:2,950,000 JPY

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