Page 91 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

86 | A SUPERB SUE
BIZEN KATANA IN
SHIRASAYA WITH
NBTHK CERTIFICATE,
MUROMACHI PERIOD
Japan, late Muromachi period
(1336-1572)

Of classic form with shinogi-zukuri and
iori mune, elegantly curved and very
finely incised with horimono on both
sides, showing a sword with a straight
blade and a kongo (vajra) handle as
well as flaming elements on one side
and a symmetrically looped rope with
a blade-like tip – this Buddhist motif
is known as kensaku – on the other.
The hamon shows distinctive gunome
with choji, the hada with mokume. The
nakago (tang) with two mekugi-ana
and no yasurime, the tip is kirijiri.
Accompanied by a Hozon (worthy
of preservation) certificate from the
NBTHK attesting to the sword’s quality
and authenticity and attributing this
sword to the Sue Bizen school.
NAGASA 68.2 cm, blade LENGTH
88.2 cm, total LENGTH 100 cm
Condition: The blade is in excellent
condition with very minor surface
wear.
Provenance: Hungarian private
collection.
Estimate EUR 16,000
Starting price EUR 8,000