Katana unsigned HOKKE (Nanbokucho)
T278338(S8221)
Koto Nanbokucho period (14 the century) Bingo
Length of cutting edge67.1cm Curvature2.6cm Width of base32.6mm Thickness of base7.4mm Width of Yokote23.1mm
Sugata(configuration) : Shinogi-zukuri, Low iori-mune. Wide in mihaba and full in upper width. Kasane is thick and there is less hiraniku. There is Kyozori (center pointed curvature) and bo-hi groove of which upper end sets lower and heel end is chiselled half way into the tang. The point is broad. (click HERE for super sized image)
Kitae(forging pattern) : Kitae is fine subdued burl pattern (Mokume-hada), mixing in with flowing masame hada (straight grain mark) here and there. The entire Hada is well worked with a tight hada pattern. The spotted utsuri reflect appears over the hiraji surface. The entire hadaware is filled in an old atmosphere of Nanbokucho period and worth to appreciate.
Hamon(tempering pattern) : Hamon is ko-nie based, straight temper line in general mixing in with small gunome here and there, shallow wave indication and precise zig-zags marks so called komidare.There is various works of feet (ashi) in the interior of temper and filled in clear nioi.
Boshi (tip): Boshi is shallow wavy and then small circle turn back slightly.
Nakago(tang) : Unsigned. The tang is UBU unaltered. One Mekugi-ana (retaining hole). Kattesagari (slanted left) file marks. A shallow kurijiri round heel shape.
HOKKE school in Bingo province had been active between end of Nanbokucho and Momoyama period relatively in short period and the fist generation HOKKE ICHIJO was a Buddhist monk of HOKKE sect. Most of their earlier works are wide in mihaba and less in hiraniku and the shape of tang usually shows Tanago (broad in temper side) tendency and some of the works shows skillful carving. This katana which keeps almost an original shape, shows an extremely beautiful fine mokume-hada. There gives off diffused reflection with a mottled effect utsuri reflection like mist lay over the forest. The blade is wide and point is broad. The shape is stout holding a graceful shape of Kyo-zori. Workmanship is hidden an awe-inspiring power.
This katana is, possibly made as Ko-Tachi that supplements the long Tachi, very powerful and in fairly good condition and healthy for the age filled with an air of a bravery and the impressively grace of beauty during Nanbokucho Ko-mihara school on about 650 years ago.
Gold layer habaki collar, Shira-Saya plain wood mounting.
Weight: 5000.00 gms
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