{"product_id":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-by-masayuki-muromachi-period-nbthk","title":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana by Masayuki, Muromachi Period - NBTHK","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis intriguing \u003cstrong\u003eKatana\u003c\/strong\u003e takes us back to the later \u003cstrong\u003eMuromachi (Eisho-Tensho) era\u003c\/strong\u003e, steeped in the artistry of traditional Japanese sword-making. With a \u003cstrong\u003ekin zogan mei\u003c\/strong\u003e attributing the blade to Masayuki, it comes with an \u003cstrong\u003eNBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho kantei-sho\u003c\/strong\u003e dated October 8, 1967, further validating its provenance. Intriguingly, an inscription on the blade reads: \"信国義昌揚\" (\"shortened by Nobukuni Yoshimasa\"), indicating a possible modification to the blade's original length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nagasa of the blade measures \u003cstrong\u003e67.4 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a \u003cstrong\u003esori (curve) of 1.4 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its sugata (body) \u003cstrong\u003edisplays a shinogi-zukuri, iori-mune\u003c\/strong\u003e design with an \u003cstrong\u003eaverage mi-haba\u003c\/strong\u003e (width) that tapers elegantly to the tip. The kasane (thickness) is also of \u003cstrong\u003eaverage thickness\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the kissaki (tip) is of \u003cstrong\u003emedium length.\u003c\/strong\u003e The slight shallowness of the sori and the typical katate-uchi shape add to its distinctiveness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamining the jihada, the blade exhibits a \u003cstrong\u003eko-itame\u003c\/strong\u003e mixed with \u003cstrong\u003emasame\u003c\/strong\u003e. The presence of fine\u003cstrong\u003e ji-nie\u003c\/strong\u003e testifies to the blade's quality, and its steel has been tightly forged. Kitae-ware can be spotted in the bo-hi, adding a characterful touch. The hamon presents a \u003cstrong\u003eclassic chu-sugu-ha\u003c\/strong\u003e with a bright ha-buchi lined in ko-nie, while the boshi manifests as ko-maru with a lengthy return.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nakago appears \u003cstrong\u003emachi-okuri\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong\u003efour mekugi-ana\u003c\/strong\u003e, one filled with copper. Adding an intriguing element, a shinobi-ana is present at the end of the nakago. The blade also features\u003cstrong\u003e bo-hi horimono\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite initial attribution to Masayuki from Bizen, this katana is likely the work of the Bingo Masayuki group of the \u003cstrong\u003eMihara school from the Eisho to Tensho period\u003c\/strong\u003e. This deduction is due to the absence of the typical traits of Nanbokucho-era Bizen blades in this piece, such as great length, wide mi-haba, extended kissaki, and Soshu den influences in the hada and hamon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeanwhile, the \u003cstrong\u003eMeikan\u003c\/strong\u003e lists several smiths from the Mihara school in Bingo using the Masayuki mei in the later Muromachi period. Blades from this period are often referred to as \"katate-uchi\" or \"one-handed swords\" and exhibit several features present in this blade. These features include its length, relative slenderness, light weight, shallow sori, medium kissaki, and the presence of a shinobi-ana. The blade's shape and features, along with the hada and the sugu-ha hamon, are typical of late Muromachi Mihara school work. The inscription, \"shortened by Nobukuni Yoshimasa,\" is also consistent with an apparent machi-okuri shortening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis katana is paired with an elegant \u003cstrong\u003ebuke-zukuri koshirae\u003c\/strong\u003e. It features a vermilion lacquered saya, a square-shaped, \u003cstrong\u003eshakudo sukashi tsuba\u003c\/strong\u003e with temple window-shaped piercing and a \u003cstrong\u003esilver fukurin\u003c\/strong\u003e. The kashira is made of tsuno paired with a fuchi crafted in shakudo, adorned with a wave design in kin zogan. The menuki are crabs in shakudo, adding a unique artistic touch. The habaki is a one-piece design with a copper base covered in silver foil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis katana embodies the rich history of Japanese sword-making, drawing on the traditions of the later Muromachi era and the craftsmanship of the \u003cstrong\u003eMihara school\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its fine construction and elegant koshirae make it a valuable piece for any collector or admirer of Japanese art and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e This fine blade comes with a well appointed buke-zukuri koshirae. It features a vermillion lacquered saya, a square shaped, shakudo sukashi tsuba with temple window shaped piercing and a silver fukurin, and a tsuno kashira paired with a fuchi done in shakudo with a wave design in \u003cstrong\u003ekin zogan\u003c\/strong\u003e. The menuki are crabs in shakudo. The habaki of a one piece design with a copper base covered in silver foil.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tokyo Nihonto","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43199514476627,"sku":null,"price":2700.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0651\/8092\/6035\/files\/1_971ebda6-14fc-467e-98c7-42f23dac8fa3.png?v=1762246525","url":"https:\/\/hundredswords.store\/products\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-by-masayuki-muromachi-period-nbthk","provider":"hundredswords","version":"1.0","type":"link"}