A Yamato Shizu Juyo katana Attributed to Kaneuji, Kamakura period, circa 1312
1135
A Yamato Shizu Juyo katana
Attributed to Kaneuji, Kamakura period, circa 1312
Sugata (configuration): hon-zukuri, iori-mune broad mihaba with a pronounced shinogi, koshi-zori, chu-gissaki
Kitae (forging pattern): itame in ji-nie with chikei
Hamon (tempering pattern): gunome mixed with notare with ashi, nie and kinsuji
Boshi (tip): ko-maru
Nakago (tang): o-suriage, saki kuri-jiri with sujikai file marks and three holes
Habaki (collar): two-piece, gold
Nagasa (length from tip to beginning of tang): 27 3/4in (70.4cm)
Motohaba (width at start of tempered edge): 1 1/8in (2.8cm)
Sakihaba (width before tip): 11/16in (2.1cm)
In shirasaya (wood storage scabbard)

With certificate designating this sword as the 35th Juyo Token (Precious sword) no. 8428 issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (The Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), dated 1989.4.14.
Sold for US$ 43,750 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • The Yamato school of swordmaking is the oldest in Japan with a history dating back to at least the 8th century. At the height of its prominence during the 12th century, the Yamato tradition became known for the highest quality blades from groups such as Senjuin (see lots 1140 and 1141), Shikkake (see lots 1138 and 1139) and Tegai, with whom Kaneuji had ties.

    Masamune, considered by many to have been the greatest swordsmith that ever lived, is thought to have had 10 notable pupils. Kaneuji is ranked by most as number 2.

    This sword exhibits the great influence Masamune had on Kaneuji's work, notably in the gunome-notare temper pattern. Experts believe this sword was produced around 1312-1313 when Kaneuji was in his late twenties before he relocated to the Mino area. Though there are no extant signed Kaneuji blades from this period of his career, it is thought that blades judged to be Yamato Shizu, are by his hand.

Category: Asian Art / Japanese Art

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