Description:
A KATANA IN KOSHIRAE BY HIROSUKE WITH NBTHK
Japan, c. late 18th century to around 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)
The blade:
With iori mune and shinogi-zukuri, the hamon is strong Notare, in part with light toran. The tang with two mekugi-ana, the signature reads Suruga no Kami Fujiwara HIROSUKE, the tang tip is kurijiri.
The mounting:
Circular iron tsuba with one hitsu, deeply engraved decorations with a surging stream and some gold tenzogan (dot inlay). Bronze fuchi-kashira with floral relief decorations as well as gilding, the menuki are found mostly above the white tsuka-ito and show scaleless dragons coiled like snakes. The habaki is gilt, the saya lacquered with silky roironuri. With a silk cover.
NAGASA 44.7 cm
total LENGTH in koshirae 73.4 cm
Provenance: Hungarian private collection.; includes written expertise from the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai), the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords.
Condition: Corrosions and blemishes to the surface of the blade and signs of wear to the lacquer and minor chips. Otherwise in good condition.