A Chikushu Ko-Tachi

SIGNED NOBUKUNI, MUROMACHI PERIOD (EARLY 15TH CENTURY)

细节

A Chikushu Ko-Tachi
Signed Nobukuni, Muromachi period (early 15th century)
Honzukuri, iori-mune, koshizori, ko-kissaki; the forging pattern running itame with ko-hada, yakitoshi, mizukage and utsuri; tempered edge suguha with moist nioiguchi, gunome ashi and much activity in the ha, nijuba toward the kissaki; tip ko-maru; tang suriage with two holes (one plugged); carved with bonji on both sides; fitted with a gilt-copper habaki
60.2cm.; curvature of 1.7cm.; width at start of tempered edge 2.6cm.; width before tip 1.5cm.
With a gold ikakeji lacquer Hoso tachi koshirae, a style favored by high-ranking officials, decorated with paulownia crests in takamaki-e and mother-of-pearl; 89cm. long

拍品专文

At least two generations of smiths signing "Nobukuni", and working in the Yamashiro tradition in Kyoto during the fourteenth century were believed to have been descended from Ryokai, although one is said to have studied under Sadamune of Soshu. At least one smith moved to Tsukushi (Chikuzen and Chikugo Provinces) around the Oei era. The signatures Minamoto Saemon no Jo and Shikibu no Jo are found on work of this period. The name Nobukuni is found thereafter in different contexts, occurring as the surname of a number of Edo-period smiths. The signature on this sword is that of Minamoto Saemon, identifiable by his custom of interchanging the left and right components of the character "kuni."