AS25224 Katana: Katsuie(NBTHK Hozon Token) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Ordering number:AS25224

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Signature: Katsuie
勝家

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyo Saku among works by Katsuie.
Habaki: Double silver habaki
Blade Length: 72.3 cm (28.46 in)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.35 cm (1.32 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.30 cm (0.91 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.78 cm (0.31 in)
Sword Weight: 865 g
Shape: The blade is wide with thick kasane, a deep curvature, and an extended kissaki.
Jigane: The hada is clearly visible.
Hamon: Made in nie-deki, a varied and dynamic gunome-midare that becomes a double hamon with active ashi. The boshi is also complex and irregular.

Features:　Katsuie was a swordsmith from Kaga and the school continued for five generations.
This group of swordsmiths was active from the Genna (1615–1624), Kan’ei (1624–1644), through to Tenna (1681–1684) periods.
The hamon is bold and rich in variation, and the shape is solid and robust.
The boshi shows deep return with some hardening into the shinogiji. This blade is polished shapely and good for practice.

Koshirae: The fittings are not particularly old.
Tsuba: Young Musashi-style tsuba with namako-sukashi (sea cucumber openwork)
Fuchikashira: Shakudo with bamboo motif
Saya (Scabbard): Red lacquered saya
Menuki: Motif unknown

Aoi Art’s Comment:　This piece by Katsuie is likely from the first or second generation.
The hamon is quite varied, and the signature on the nakago is clear with a settled black rust.

NBTHK Hozon Token
NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token
Aoi Art estimation paper with whole oshigata