A FUYUHIRO KATANA
Overview (Photos follow Description)
Description:
In its original submission to the NTHK, there was no apparent signature on the nakago (tang). It was judged as a sword crafted by Fuyuhiro in the latter part of the Muromachi period.
However, after carefully brushing a section of the nakago, a signature has been revealed! The characters 相州住*** translate to mean a “Soshu Ju..” – a sword crafted in the Soshu tradition (Kamakura). As the sword was slightly shortened from its original tachi length, the characters of the smith have been removed.
This is a sword made much earlier. A conservative estimation would be the Nambokucho Period (1333-1392) that was made famous by the great Masamune.
The hamon is magnificent with rolling waves; carrying with it desired elements such as sunagashi (streaks of sand-like patterns) and hitatsura in the temper line. The koshirae (mounts) are made as a collective set. All clasps are Higo Kinzogan – an intricate craft of Damascening from Higo (Kumamoto prefecture).
The kojiri (tip of scabbard) is of a dragon motif, the menuki is a plum tree, tsuba is bamboo and the saya itself encompasses a tortoise shell design signifying a long and healthy life.
This sword was sold at the Atsugi Base (AOSA) Winter Bazaar 2012.
*All photos taken professionally by Eric Bossick for Unique Japan
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