Description:
Japan, late Sengoku (1477 – 1573) to early Edo period (1603 - 1868) (blade); c. 18th century (koshirae)
Blade
Shinogi tsukuri with iori mune, suguha hamon with nie, possibly itame-masame hada. The nakago has three mekugi-ana, two of which are closed. One of the holes is very close to the kiri jiri end of the nakago, suggesting it was shortened from tachi length to that of a katana.
Koshirae
Mokkogata tsuba with two hitsu-ana, one of them closed, carved in relief with a landscape with mountains, waters, temples, pavilions and wanderers. Iron fuchi-kashira inlaid with gold and copper, showing a warrior and a horse. The menuki shows dragons coiled around a ken sword. The saya features mother-of-pearl in different colors, finished with kuro-urushi.
Dimensions: 67.5 cm (nagasa), 95.8 cm (total length)
Condition: The blade shows several blackish kizu, possibly from the forging process or due to age, which appear like corrosion. The koshirae is in good condition.
Provenance: Hungarian private collection