Description:
A TACHI IN KOSHIRAE BY HIROMASA
Japan, c. late 15th century, Muromachi period (1336-1573)
The blade:
Wide, continuous bohi lengthwise on both sides, iori mune. The hamon is suguha and the hada is itame. The large tang has two mekugi-ana, the yasurime is sujikai and the tang tip is kurijiri. The mei reads HIROMASA saku, probably one of the master swordsmiths from Sagami.
The mounting:
The oval-round iron tsuba with ryohitsu shows an ushi with bokudo (ox and shepherd boy), the latter can only be identified due to his large gold hat; also blossoms as well as a stream on the reverse. Fuchi and kashira with gilt line decorations over nanakohi. Both menuki show floral compositions with gilding. The saya is lacquered with minutely applied iridescent mother-of-pearl, the metal fittings in the same style as the fuchi-kashira. With silk cover.
NAGASA 69.5 cm
total LENGTH in koshirae 105.5 cm
Provenance: Hungarian private collection.
Condition: The blade shows minor corrosion and faults on the surface. Several sections of lacquer splitting on the saya.