Katana signed Minamoto MORISHIGE
A69095(S5212)
Koto End of Muromachi period (Entoku erac/circa A.D.1489) Chikuzen
Length of cutting edge71.6cm Curvature1.9cm Width of base29.5mm Thickness of base7.1mm Width of Yokote18.4mm
Blade construction : Shinogi zukuri, Low Iori-mune, the entire blade is longer than average for it's age and is thick in Kasane, holding an ample hiraniku. The entire shape has deep curve with an indication of upper pointed curve leading to a middle tip. There is a round end Bo-hi groove on both sides. (click HERE for higher resolution of entire blade)
Forging (Hada) : Hada is well-kneaded itame-hada which is outstanding and mixing in with mokume hada (burl-like hada pattern) where surface is reflecting with DAN-UTSURI (stripes pattern hard metal granules). The entire forging is filled in an air of the old technical skill.
Temper line (Hamon) : Hamon is konie-based, straight outline and the tempering edge is active with various works such as small gunome, choji outline, slanted small feet and YOU in the interior of temper and the temper line shows some Ni-ju-ha (double temper line) or Hotsure-ha (fray indication) here and there.
Tang (Nakago) : Nakago is UBU, unaltered. Kiri (horizontal) file marks, there is one peg hole, The V-shape (Sotoba-shape) heel and flat back ridge. There is three small character that starts with a honorable family name MINAMOTO and then the smith name MORISHIGE.
Temper of tip (Boshi) : Temper of tip is straight based, and Niju-ha (double temper outlines) indication, the front ends up Hakikake brushing and the ura side is medium circle turns back.
This is one of the good examples of an original sword in the Medieval Period, 15 th century. Kongo-Hyoue school in Chikuzen province had been flourished through out Muromachi period and followed Yamato school tradition. The frontier was Moritaka who had related with the famed smith Ryosai and Sairen (Samonji school). It is understood that most smiths of Kongo hyoue school were Shingon-Buddhist monks and the shape of the tang has a strong feature which is similar to wooden tablet of Buddhist alter fitting so called Sotoba-shape. This sword almost holds an original shape which is dignified with refined style and exquisite balance between grace and heroicness. The blade is an old but in elaborate polish state and no significant indication of flaw, in consideration of it's age, it is surprisingly healthy and in an good condition for appreciation.
New gold layer Habaki collar, New shirasaya plain wood mounting.
Weight: 5000.00 gms
|