N3830(S1497)
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Katana signed Bishu-ju Katayama Minamoto KATSUSHIGE-saku Kanzeonbosatsu Jusho-ka-Sonja with) Vermillion lacquered scabbard Uchikatana Koshirae

Shin-shin-to the end of Edo period (Keiou era / 1865-) Owari
Length of cutting edge 73.5cm Curvature 1.4cm　Width of base 34.0mm Thickness of base 10.0mm


NBTHK(Hozon) certificate

with) Vermillion lacquered scabbard Uchikatana Koshirae


Sugata(configuration) : Awe-inspiring brave Katana of Hira-zukuri with Iori-mune configuration. The length of cutting edge is as long as 73.5cm (2-shaku 4-sun 2-nu and 5-rin)and Kasane on base is extremely thick. Mihaba is wide standing firmly on base with shallow curve in Sori, less degree of tapering from base to swelling upper Monouchi area that leads to elongated large Kissaki. Nakid blade with silver Habaki weights as much as 1,000 grams. This extravagant configuration came into vogue during end of Edo period among unconventional Samurai warriors acting the campaign to restore the Emperor and expel the barbarians. (click HERE for higher resolution image)
Kitae(forging pattern) : The entire steel gives off bluish tendency. Kitae is conspicuous Itame hada generally with the indication of Mokume burl. Striking Masame straight ware appears on Shinogi-ji surface. Sparkling frosty Ji-nie is distributed in certain areas over the Hira-ji surface and gleaming Jet black luster of Chikei that comes from unique trait of steel with different carbon content appears and also glows as Kin-suji thick line of Nie or Sunagashi short lines into quenching Hamon area.
Hamon(tempering pattern) : Hamon state is "Nie-deki" that is rather on stronger side, Notare with undulating large-Gunome, small tassel-shape outline Choji-ha and some indication of Togari-ha. Some isolated Tobiyaki also Muneyaki along back ridge appear here and there to generate Hitatsura quenching state. Sparkling martensite particles of Nie accumulates deeply along quenching area where works with Inazuma and Kinsen/Sunagashi activity and the interior of temper is filled with frosty sparkling Nioi.
Boshi (tip): Almost in full of Ichimai boshi surging of flame so called KAEN then turns back deeply to join Muneyaki on ridge.
Nakago(tang) : The Nakago is original UBU. One Mekugi-ana retaining hole. "O-sujikai" with Kesho decorative filemarks. Back ridge of Nakago is a bit round contoured with "O-sujikai" with horizontal Kesho filemarks. "Ha-agari Kurijiri" of single bevelled heel. The entire Nakago preserves an excellent taste of patina. The large and deeply chiseled nine character Bishu-ju Katayama Minamoto KASTUSHIGE-saku 尾州住片山源勝重作 and the other side is inscribed with the Kanzeonbosatsu (Guanyin Bodhisattva) 観世音菩薩, a new line the Jusho-ka-Sonja (Buddhist saint) 受勝果尊者.

The founder KATSUSHIGE 勝重 who belonged to Senji-school had appeared in Kuwana, Ise domain during Kanbun era (1661-). He moved to Seki-Kajimachi in a castle town Nagoya (now in Marunouchi 3-chome, Naka-ku, Nagoya) in his later age.
In later ages end of Edo period, the subject maker KATSUSHIGE 勝重 whose real name is KATAYAMA Hikoichirou 片山彦一郎 set his studio at Chita-gun.
The shape is magnificently brave and lively forged under Soushu-tradition from increasing demand from Samurai supporters of the doctrine of restoring the Emperor to get powered and expelling the barbarians.
This outstandingly brave katana is imressively heavy on both hands to show brilliant hamon to have an great air of dignity expecting Meiji renovation.

An original koshirae set of mount deserves special mention and upgrade the dignity of this KATSUSHIGE 勝重 Katana.

with) Vermillion lacquered scabbard Uchikatana Koshirae (click HERE for entire Koshirae, HERE for each fitting)
  • Fuchi/Kashira : Gragon on cloud design, Iron ground, Takabori carving, Gold inlay unsigned
  • Menuki : Gentiana scabra design, Shakudo ground, Yobori carving, Iroe
  • Wari-Kogai : Emblem on a flag and cross Ju-monji spear design, Shakudo Katabori carving Iroe
  • Tsuba : Charactar stamp, Dewdrops design, Iron ground, cross rectangular shape, Brass inlay, signed NOBUMASA 信正
  • Tsuka : White rayskin, Nango indigo-blue silk cord lozenge wrap
The complete set of Katana with an original Owari-style Koshirae mount was ordered and possesed by a Samurai warrior who loyals to the Emperor in the Meiji Renovation period.
Silver ground Habaki collar, preserved in a Shirasaya plain wood mounting.
Old polish/Condition scale: very good (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor).
reference data :
IWATA Atou, Owari Toukou fu, Nagoya city board of education, 1984