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SUKENAGA: A WAKIZASHI IN SUPERB LACQUER ‘KIRI, KATABAMI AND KIKU’ KOSHIRAE, THE BLADE WITH NBTHK TOKUBETSU HOZON TOKEN CERTIFICATE
Lot 141 - JPN1225
By Sukenaga, signed Bizen Kuni Osafune ju Sukenaga
Japan, Bizen, dated 1823, Edo period (1615-1868)
This sword has been judged and attested by the NBTHK to be the Tokubetsu Hozon Token (‘Especially worthy of Preservation’) rank. The NBTHK Hozon paper, no. 1021748, dated 15 December Reiwa 5 [2023], with a photograph of the tang and the seal of the NBTHK, with a registration stamp from the Educational Committee of Okayama, no. 3004, registration date 11 May Showa 26 [1951], accompanies this lot.
The blade:
The sugata is of shinogi-zukuri with iori mune. The hamon is choji-midare with ashi in nioi-deki, the hada is ko-itame. The nakago with kuri-jiri, with sujikai yasurime, one mekugi-ana, and the mei BIZEN KUNI OSAFUNE JU SUKENAGA [Sukenaga, resident of Osafune, Bizen] and dated to the reverse BUNSEI ROKU NEN NI GATSU HI [a day in February 1823].
The mounting:
The habaki of plain copper with diagonal file marks, the shakudo tsuba of mokkogata form with yo-sukashi and gold takazogan and hirazogan, featuring kiku flowers. The fuchi-kashira of shakudo nanako with iro-e takazogan, each featuring a group of swallows, the fuchi signed ISHIGURO KAZUO with kakihan. The menuki with kiku sprays in gold and shibuichi takazogan. The tsuka with samegawa (rayskin) and golden silk tsuka-ito. The koshirae saya finely lacquered in nashiji with gold takamaki-e paulownia and katabami kamon. The kozuka and kogai with a shakudo nanako reserve featuring a spray of kiku framed in a raised gold border.
NAGASA 53.8 cm, LENGTH 70.8 cm (the blade), 78.8 cm (the koshirae)
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear. The koshirae with minor wear, little rubbing and light scratches. With a fine polish brightening the hamon.
Sukenaga was a swordsmith in Bizen who was active at the end of Edo period. He received the title of Kaga Suke in 1834. Sukenaga made unique Choji-midare, reminiscent of chrysanthemum petals. His son the 2nd generation Sukenaga and Sukekane followed his style.
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