AS22545 Katana: Enju Kunihide(February 1805) (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Enju Kunihide 延寿國秀
Bunka 2 Nen 2 Gatsu Hi 文化二年二月日　(February 1805)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku (upper-high grade) among works by Enju Kunihide.

Habaki: Single-layered
Blade Length: 75.3 cm (29.64 in)
Curvature: 2.7 cm (1.06 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.34 cm (1.31 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.41 cm (0.95 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.80 cm (0.31 in)
Sword Weight: 935 g
Era: Late Edo period, around 1805

Shape: long, broad blade with deep curvature and long kissaki.
Jigane: Koitame hada with partially intense grain patterns.
Hamon: Gunome and Notare with thick Nioikuchi, with Koashi, Sunagashi and Kinsuji. Boshi is midare and turns back.

Features:
Enju Kunihide is said to be a descendant of the Enju school and studied under Hōki-no-kami Masayuki and Suishinshi Masahide.

Koshirae: Higo-style Mounting
Tsuba: Iron rounded tsuba
Fuchikashira: shakudo base carved with a design of waves
Menuki: a design of shells

Aoi Art’s Comment:
The sword comes with Higo-style koshirae in keeping with the maker. The blade is a magnificent work with a bold, imposing shape.

NBTHK Hozon Certificate
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata