T282485(S2512) Katana signed Kurume-ju Fujiwara TAKEKUNI with)Black lacquered sheath Uchigatana koshirae	NBTHK(HOZON)
Shinto Early Edo period (Jyokyo era circa A.D.1684) Chikugo Length of cutting edge70.1cm Curvature1.6cm Width of base32.0mm Thickness of base6.5mm Width of Yokote22.0mm
Sugata(configuration) : Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune. Mihaba on base is in average and there is an ordinary curve leading to a middle tip. The entire katana is well-balanced, fine-proportioned to say beautiful shape. (click HERE for super sized image) Kitae(forging pattern) : Kitae-hada is fine kneaded Mokume hada. The surface is covered in with sparkling Ji-Nie so called [glittering hard metal granules] activity.The entire shinogi-ji surface is conspicuous masame straight grain mark appears. Hamon(tempering pattern) : Hamon is Ko-Nie based, Notare - shallow wavy - Hotsure -fray activity-, Niju-ha - double temper lines-. Upper the blade, brighter the Nie, deeper the Nioi mist around Monouchi hitting area. There is ASHI feet works in upper area. The entire temper gives off vivid and strong light. Boshi (tip): The temper of the tip goes into KOMARU straight circle with brushing indication, then turns back in good manner. Nakago(tang) : UBU un-altered, slanted left (o-sujikai) filemarks and round heel shape. One mekugi-ana. The signature in hakiomote starts with the place of work Kurume-ju and then Fujiwara TAKEKUNI. Smith Takekuni in Chikuzen province (now in Fukuoka province), frontier was KANESAKI who belonged to Shimosaka school in Omi province. This sword is judges as a genuine work of the first generation TAKEKUNI who was active Jyokyo era end of 17 th century. Real name is [Shimosaka Tahei]. His son [Shimosaka Soichi] had succeeded the second generation TAKEKUNI and he had visited to stay Kyoto to learn from Igano-kami KINMICHI, enjoyed Echigo-no-kami title. The subject sword remains an excellent condition and well-maintained showing powerful glittering bright light. The blade holds standard length, well-proportioned curve to say traditional beauty. The incidental Uchigatana style Koshirae fittings consists of Shakudo copper alloy ground Nanako-ji surface gold Iroe Playing Children Fuchi/Kashira set, Shakudo Yobori ground gold Iroe Ox trainer Menuki ornaments and Iron tsuba is Sansui scene Nunome style gold inlay Old copper habaki collar with water chestnut crest metal work gold plated for Shira-saya(reversed side shows some dented marks). And another Silver ground habaki collar for Koshirae fittings. Shira-saya plain wood mounting included.