HEKI MITSUHIRA: A RARE KOTO KATATE UCHI WITH KINZOGAN MEI, WITH KOSHIRAE AND SHIRASAYA
Unsigned, attributed to Heki MitsuhiraJapan, Shinto, ca. 1655, Edo period (1615-1868)A one-handed sword, mumei (unsigned) with kinzogan-mei, attributed to Heki Mitsuhira, the most accomplished student of Korekazu, founder of the Ishido school which revived the Ko-Ichimongi style. Accompanied by a certificate from the NBTHK attesting to the sword’s quality and authenticity.The blade:Shinogi-zukuri with ihori mune and ko-itame-mokume hada. The hamon is choji midare, a clove-like temper line in nioi deki with plenty of nie as well as tadpole choji with togari elements. Jifuutsuri, ‘reflections’ of the hamon in the form of spots forming a pattern over the hiraji. The kinzogan-mei on the shortened nakago reads Konkaidan Tameshigiri (cutting test), referring to the Kon trigram from the I Ching, three broken lines which in this case represent three severed bodies as well as the cutting strength of this sword. The Kon trigram is also found on the gold habaki. The blade is stored in a fine shirasaya which bears an inscription.The mounting:The koshirae is in part crafted in the style of the late Meiji period, with the fuchi-kashira showing inazuma. The black lacquered saya shows a roiro-nuri ground with a fine ribbed surface. The tsuka is quite distinct, its same ground down to form a smooth surface. The gold applications in between the nodules give the tsuka a highly attractive appearance. The older katchushi tsuba is engraved on the omote side. The kozuka and kogai are fine examples of shibuichi from an earlier period, probably mid to late Edo.NAGASA 54 cmCondition: The blade in an excellent state of preservation, one miniscule nick to the edge of the blade. The koshirae in superb condition.Provenance: Important samurai art from an Austrian private collection – Lots (31 – 39) are from an Austrian private collection, assembled with great knowledge and care, as all the objects are in a superior state of preservation. The collection most prominently features three Koto swords, no. 31 is listed as a Juyo Token (= important work).