Bushu Shitahara Jyu Naiki Yasushige Katana
武州下原住内記康重 刀

Item No: TKC001

• Period: Shinto - Early Edo Period (Mid-late 17th Century)

• Designation: Tokubetsu Hozon (Katana) & Hozon Touken (Koshirae)

• Mei (Signature): Bushu Shitahara Jyu Naiki Yasushige
  武州下原住内記康重

• Nakago - Ubu

• Nagasa - 69.9cm

• Sori - 1.21cm

• Motohaba - 2.8cm

• Sakihaba - 2.0cm

• Kissaki - 3.1cm

• Nakago - 20.8cm

Price: ¥ 1,150,000
(Consignment Sale)

The Bushu Shitahara School

was a significant swordsmithing tradition based in the Bushu region, modern-day Tokyo, specifically around Hachioji City. This school gained prominence during the late Muromachi period and continued to produce swords through the Edo period. It is known for its functional and reliable blades, which catered to the needs of both samurai and common warriors during a time of social and military transformation in Japan.

The swordsmiths residing in Shitahara were known as Shitahara Kaji. Initially, they operated under the patronage of the Hojo clan, a powerful feudal family during the late Muromachi period. The first-generation Yasushige is said to have been the son of Chikashige, another notable figure in the school. Yasushige originally signed his works as Chikashige but later adopted the name Yasushige after receiving the character 康 ("Yasu") from Hojo Ujiyasu, a prominent feudal lord he served.

After the Toyotomi clan overthrew the Hojo during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, the Shitahara swordsmiths began serving the Tokugawa clan as Okakae Kaji, craftsmen dedicated to a specific feudal family.

Most Shitahara smiths had the family name Yamamoto. The school thrived particularly during the late Muromachi and early Edo periods, continuing to forge swords for the Tokugawa clan until the end of the Edo period. Among the Bushu Shitahara smiths, Yasushige became one of the most renowned names.

The name Yasushige was carried on by multiple generations of smiths from the late Muromachi period to the end of the Edo period. This blade was crafted by a later-generation Yasushige, who was active in the early Edo period. Beginning with the fourth generation, Yasushige smiths began including "Naiki" in their signatures.

The Katana

This Bushu Shitahara Jyu Naiki Yasushige katana is a superb example of Shinto-period swordsmithing, crafted by a master of the Shitahara school in Bushu (modern Tokyo). Its design reflects the distinctive features of the Kanbun Shinto style, developed during a time of peace under the Tokugawa shogunate.

Features and Characteristics:

• Kanbun Shinto Shape:
  The blade embodies the Kanbun Shinto style, characterized by a shallow curvature (sori) of 1.2 cm, giving it an almost straight appearance. The overall profile is slimmer, with a less dramatic taper from the base to the tip. These features were specifically designed for iai (quick-draw techniques) and thrusting, aligning with the martial practices and formal aesthetics of the period rather than battlefield combat.
  Swords of the Shinto period often moved away from the robust, deeply curved designs of earlier eras, instead focusing on balance, precision, and functionality in a time of relative peace. This katana exemplifies these trends, making it an ideal representation of the period’s craftsmanship.

• Hamon:
  The blade’s gentle Suguha hamon flows elegantly along the cutting edge, showcasing the skill and refined artistry of Naiki Yasushige. The subtle temper line complements the overall design, enhancing the blade’s understated beauty.

• Jigane
  The jigane of this Bushu Shitahara Jyu Naiki Yasushige katana is a stunning example of refined craftsmanship. Forged in a ko-itame hada (small, tight wood-grain pattern), the surface exhibits an exceptionally fine texture, indicative of the swordsmith’s masterful control during the folding process.

  One of the most striking features of this blade is its bright and clear ji, which reflects light beautifully and accentuates the intricate grain of the steel. This brightness not only enhances the blade’s visual appeal but also underscores the high-quality forging techniques of the Shitahara school. The clarity of the jigane is particularly prized among collectors, as it speaks to both the skill of Naiki Yasushige and the meticulous care taken in the blade’s construction.

  This exquisite jigane, with its uniform ko-itame and luminous polish, embodies the elegance and precision of Shinto-period swords, making this katana a superb addition to any collection.

The Naiki Yasushige Katana is accompanied by an antique koshirae of extraordinary craftsmanship, bearing the esteemed NBTHK Hozon certification. This designation affirms its exceptional quality, historical significance, and artistic value. Every component of this koshirae reflects the skill and refined taste of its original creators, making it a rare and remarkable ensemble.

Kuro Urushi Mushi Kuinuri Saya, a scabbard crafted with a rare and intricate lacquer technique. The term Mushi Kuinuri evokes the appearance of natural wear, as if the lacquer has been subtly nibbled or eroded by insects, resulting in a textured, organic surface. This aesthetic, achieved through meticulous layers of deep black urushi lacquer, is highly prized for its uniqueness and unparalleled artistry. Such craftsmanship not only enhances the saya's visual appeal but also transforms it into a functional yet poetic work of art, emblematic of traditional Japanese elegance.