Senjuin Morikuni Katana, Jo Saku, ca. 1660’s Kinzogan Setsudan-Mei by Yamano Nagahisa NBTHK Hozon
SOLD
Features:
A Shinto katana with a rare and desirable kinzogan gold inlay setsudan-mei cutting test. The blade, while unsigned, was attributed by the NBTHK to the well-known Edo swordsmith Senjuin Morikuni. Originally, a late swordsmith of the Akasaka Senjuin lineage, he came to Edo, trained under Izumi Kaneshige, and was a colleague of the famous Kotetsu. Output from these swordsmiths were frequently cut-tested by the well-known Yamano family. This sword was tested by the first of their lineage, Yamano Ka’emon Nagahisa. The results of the test were inscribed in gold on the nakago:
1. Manji Ninen Shigatsu Nijushinichi (27th day of July 1659(
2. Yamano Ka'emon no Jo Nagahisa Kao
3. Futatsudo kiriotoshi (cut through two bodies)
The blade shows a good length with deep sugata. The nakago is mumei, o-suriage. The jigane is a well-grained itame that mixes at times with a running masame along the ha. The hamon is a chu-notare in nie deki, reminiscent of the type of thick hamon utilized by Kotetsu. The hamon features a deep nie-based nioi-guchi, that is lined in a violent fashion with small gunome, also having yubashiri along the hamon. The hamon finishes in a thick notare boshi with some kaen.
With wooden shirasaya and custom silver habaki.
Measurements:
Nagasa: 70.2 cm
Sori: 2.4 cm
Motohaba: 29 mm
Sakihaba: 1.8 cm
Kissaki: 3 cm
Nakago: 23.5 cm
Kasane: 5.2 mm