A22527(S3110) Katana unsigned attributed to a work of Fujishima Tomoshige with Black lacquered sheath Koshirae	NBTHK(tokubetsu kicho)	JPYen630,000
Ko-to End of Muromachi period (Eisho Era/CIRCA A.D.1504) Kaga Length of cutting edge70.4cm Curvature1.8cm Thickness of base6.7mm Width of base29.3mm Width of Yokote22.1mm
Blade construction (kengyo) : Shinogi-zuruki, Iori-mune, It upper pointed curves normally leading to a extended tip. There is less difference in width between base and tip. There is double grooves on both sides which are chiselled half-way into the tang. (click HERE for high resolution of the blade photograph) Forging pattern (kitae hada) : Kitae hada is conspicuous Itame large wooden grain marks mixing in entwined masame-hada(wooden-straight-grain marks) where surface is covered in Ji-nie with speckled reflection (Uturi). Tempering pattern (hamon) : Hamon is shallow wavy base, mixing in with small zig-zag-outline (GUNOME), Nie-based, mixture of strong brushing likes of Nie (Sunagashi), Nie zig-zag feet work toward the cutting edge, and upper the blade wider the temper, brighter and stronger Nie, becomes larger pattern of Gunome, higher the temper with Yubashiri and Shima floating temper like a clouds or solitary island. The entire grain and temper is strong Nie based under the mixture of Yamato and Soshu school and filled in an atmosphere of an ancient workmanship. Tang (Nakago) : Nakago is unsigned OSURIAGE (cut off) unsigned Kattesagari file marks, horizontal feel shape, three peg-retaining holes. Tip (Boshi) : Boshi is tempered in wavy with brushing mark. This katana is unsigned Osuriage, but was attributed to a work of Fujishima TOMOSHIGE, who lived in Kaga province and the founder was a pupil of Rai-KUNITOSHI in the Jowa Era, Nanbokucho period in 14 th century. The certain oldest, existing sword by the first generation Tomoshige, has been kept in Atsuta Shinto Shrine (an important cultural property). However, most of the swords by Tomoshige are recognized as the works on after Ouei Era in Muromachi. This is a brave and heroic katana which was made during early 16 th century. The blade is in a fair condition under the old polish state. There are no obvious physical flaws such as blister, nor grain openings. However, the entire surface has some minor marks of scratching overall. The entire condition of the blade is good enough for appreciation and healthy for the age of 500 years old. Attached old Owari style Uchikatana koshirae consists of Shakudo copper ground Fuchi/Kashira (Autumn flowers design), Shakudo dragon design Menuki, iron irregular shape open-work tsuba and black lacquered sheath (some minor marks of dent or scratch). The shark-skin of the hilt and it's wrapping code has some marks of stain.