Page 181 - Fine Chinese, Japanese and Buddhist Art September 28, 2018 Galerie Zacke

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A WAKIZASHI BY YUKIMITSU A TACHI WITH LACQUER AND MOTHER OF
Japan, Edo period (1603 - 1868), late 16 century (blade); PEARL SAYA
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Edo period (1603 – 1868) (koshirae) Japan, late Sengoku (1477 – 1573) to early Edo period
(1603 - 1868) (blade); c. 18 century (koshirae)
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Blade
Shinogi-tsukuri with iori mune, probably suguha hamon. Blade
Nakago with one mekugi-ana, sujikai yasurime and ha- Shinogi tsukuri with iori mune, suguha hamon with
agari kuri jiri. Signed Bishu Osafune YUKIMITSU ⸠ ⃱ , nie, possibly itame-masame hada. The nakago has
Bishu Osafune referring to the place and province as well three mekugi-ana, two of which are closed. One of
as Bizen Osafune, one of the top sword making schools the holes is very close to the kiri jiri end of the nakago,
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in Japan during the 14 and 15 centuries. suggesting it was shortened from tachi length to that
of a katana.
Koshirae
Round, iron tsuba with two hitsu-ana, carved in relief Koshirae
with crashing sea waves, dense clouds and the claws, Mokkogata tsuba with two hitsu-ana, one of
tail and head of a dragon. Shakudo fuchi-kashira with them closed, carved in relief with a landscape
fine nanakoji in takazogan with gold, showing a resting with mountains, waters, temples, pavilions and
warrior in armor – judging from his facial expression, wanderers. Iron fuchi-kashira inlaid with gold and
it could be benkei – and a floral composition with copper, showing a warrior and a horse. The menuki
blossoms. Beautiful saya with very dense inlaid mosaic of shows dragons coiled around a ken sword. The saya
mother-of-pearl shimmering in different colors. features mother-of-pearl in different colors, finished
with kuro-urushi.
Dimensions: 44.9 cm (nagasa), 80 cm (total length)
Condition: The blade extensively worn. The koshirae in Dimensions: 67.5 cm (nagasa), 95.8 cm (total length)
good condition with a larger crack through the saya. Condition: The blade shows several blackish kizu,
Provenance: Austrian private collection possibly from the forging process or due to age, which
appear like corrosion. The koshirae is in good condition.
EstimateġEUR 1.500,- Provenance: Hungarian private collection
Starting price EUR 750,-
EstimateġEUR 1.800,-
Starting price EUR 900,-

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