M24743(S231)
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katana signed Owari-koku KATSUSHIGE with)Black laquered Sendan nothces scabbard Uchikatana Koshirae

Shin-shin-to the end of Edo period (Keiou era / 1865-) Owari
Length of cutting edge 69.8cm Curvature 1.1cm　Width of base 33.0mm Width of Yokote 23.1mm Thickness of base 7.7mm

NBTHK(Tokubetsu Hozon) certificate


with)Black laquered Sendan nothces scabbard Uchikatana Koshirae

Sugata(configuration) : The brave powerful Katana of Shinogi-zukuri with Iori-mune configuration. The blade weights as much as 935grams including Habaki collar.The length of cutting edge is at the Jo-sun interpretations 2-shaku 3-sun in an highly harmonious manner. 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. 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 fine steel with different carbon content appears.
Hamon(tempering pattern) : Hamon state is "Nie-deki" that is rather on stronger side, Notare with undulating Gunome, small tassel-shape outline Choji-ha and some indication of Togari-ha. Some isolated Muneyaki appears along back ridge. Sparkling martensite particles of Nie accumulates deeply along quenching area where grows with long lines of Kinsen or short lines of Sunagashi activity and the interior of temper is filled with frosty sparkling Nioi where gives off isolated dots of YOU appears and frequent thick ASHI radiate toward the cutting edge
Boshi (tip): Wide in temper at boshi surging of flame so called KAEN then turns back deeply to join isolated temper Muneyaki on the back 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" filemarks with horizontal "Kesho" marks.  "Ha-agari Kurijiri" of single bevelled heel. The entire Nakago preserves an excellent taste of patina from 19th C. The inscription signature in front starts with the place of work Owari-koku 尾張国 along Shinogi-ji above Mekugi-ana then 2 character of smith name KATSUSHIGE 勝重 below retaining hole on Hiraji-surface.

The founder KATSUSHIGE 勝重 who belonged to Senji-MASASHIGE 千子正重 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 magnificent katana is impressively heavy on both hands and shows flashy brilliant hamon to have an great air of dignity expecting Meiji renovation.

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

with) Black lacquered Sendan notches scabbard Uchikatana Koshirae (click HERE for entire Koshirae in front/HERE for back side, click HERE for each fitting)
  • Fuchi/Kashira : Gourd design, Shakudo stone surface, Takabori carving, Gold iroe, unsigned
  • Menuki : Holly design, Shakudo ground, Katabori carving, Gold iroe
  • Tsuba : Flower petal design, Iron ground, Openwork, unsigned attributed to a work of Owari
  • Scabbard : Sendan style notches black lacquered
  • Tsuka : White rayskin, Golden brown silk cord Morotsumami style lozenge wrap
This complete set of Katana and high class Koshirae mount was ordered and possessed by a Samurai warrior who loyals to the Emperor in the Meiji Renovation period. There is a superstition that KATSU 勝 means "VICTORY" and SHIGE 重 means "SUCCESS" to say "unbroken series of victory" to be highly prized not only for it's workmanship as well as supreme sharp cutting performance but also for its name of good luck "win every battle".
Original copper Habaki collar, preserved in a Shirasaya plain wood mounting.
Good old polish/Condition scale: excellent (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor).
reference data :
IWATA Atou, Owari Toukou fu, Nagoya city board of education, 1984