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LOT 3248
Attractive Signed Katana Length Japanese Sword with Tribute/Shrine Quality Fittings - Measuring 38 1/2 inches overall with a 27 3/4 blade, showing a strong, slightly wavy hamon, attractive grain, and an asymmetrical set of bo-hi grooves, the left showing a thin groove running a loop from habaki and tip, the right showing a thin groove looping halfway back from the tip and meeting a single broad groove. The habaki is two piece construction, the outer section made of brass with sculpted ocean waves and the inner section made of darkened metal with pierced-through designs of a wheel mounted with a set of hammers or buckets. The tsuba has a four-lobed profile and multi-piece construction, with an iron core, darkened silver outer edge, and silver and gilt spacers. The fuchi and habaki are both silver plated, with a set of gilt and silver menuki featuring the “triple hollyhock” design under the light cord wrap. The “triple hollyhock” is most famously associated with the Tokugawa Clan and their namesake period of Shogunate rule, and was known to have been used by favored supporters with the Clan’s permission. The saya is finished in alternating stripes of matte and gloss black lacquer, with silver furniture, white and purple suspension cord with silver chrysanthemum ornaments, and a repeating motif in gold lacquer of chrysanthemum surrounded by 3 butterflies. As the triple hollyhock is associated with Tokugawa, the mum is associated with both the person and the office of the Emperor of Japan. The tang has two mekugi-ana, the lower of the two filled with a gold plug, and a gold inlaid two-symbol signature on the right side. CONDITION: Excellent. The blade shows some mild stains and dark spots, with an overall bright appearance, strong hamon and subtle but attractive grain. The cord shows minor staining, with a mixed dark patina on the silver components and dark brown on the iron. The saya shows mild flaking and crazing of the lacquer, with the wood underneath the koiguchi split. The tang shows a deep brown antique patina, with some rust spots and solid inlay. Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
LOT 3249
Signed Edo Era Wakizashi Length Japanese Sword with Case and NTHK Certification - Measuring 29 1/2 inches
overall with a 21 inch live edge, the blade features a strong, wavy hamon, attractive and vivid grain, a set of asymmetrical bo-hi grooves on each side
(deeper on the left) and a silver plated habaki. The iron tsuba is round, with golden leaf and vine accents, and the fuchi and kashira are sliver with a pebble texture and gold accents. A pair of horse themed menuki are present under the brown cord. The saya is finished with black lacquer and silver accents, with a repeating motif of paulownia leaves using a 6-12-7 flower arrangement; similar paulownia arrangements have been used as family mons and national symbols from antiquity to the modern day. The included kogatana is 8 3/8 inches overall, with a 4 1/2 inch signed blade and darkened copper handle. The tang has two mekugi-ana, and is engraved on both sides, 8 symbols on the left and 5 on the right. A set of paperwork from the NTHK (both the fine “origami” presentation paperwork and the examiner’s worksheet, with numbered envelope) is included, identifying the sword to the Edo period (roughly 1700) and naming the smith as a “Kawachi (no) Kami Fujiwara Terutsugo” active in the Mino region. The blade was rated at 70 points, qualifying for “Kantei Sho” (authentic) level certification. Also included is a green cloth sword case with fan-themed decorations and a gray cord. CONDITION: Fine. Minor spotting and handling marks are present on the otherwise very fine blade, with an aged patina and a few rust spots on the tsuba and the furniture otherwise in very good condition. The tang is well aged, with a slightly lighter tone towards the habaki. The case shows minor staining appropriate to age. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
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