Katana by Jiro Taro Naokatsu

Shoji Jiro Taro Naokatsu was born in 1804 and was the adopted son of Taikei Naotane. He was part of a prestigious line of master smiths descending from the father of the Shinshinto period; Suishinshi Masahide. Naotane in particular was skilled in every tradition, and Naokatsu continued the legacy of master smiths, but predominantly focused his attention to Bizen and Soshu earning him a reputation for being even slightly better in his forging than his father. Naokatsu’s skills proved worthy of his lineage and he joined the ranks of one of the 19 th century’s most powerful makers. The ability of these smiths to revive and recreate works of Koto masters cannot be overemphasized. In fact and perhaps tragically, Naokatsu’s own student, Hosoda Naomitsu, emerged as the most famous creator of forgeries ever and is better known as; Kajihei. The fact that Kajihei held the skills to not only inscribe very convincing replications of signatures and nakagos by other master smiths, but also was capable of re-creating their works to a very believable degree to match, is a testament to the skills he acquired as part of this great line. In 1858, the year following his father’s death, Naokatsu died at the relatively young age of just 54.

Fujishiro Shinto-hen rates Naokatsu at Jojosaku. The Toko Taikan rates him at 4.5 million yen, and Hawley’s lists him at 60 points. These are very high ratings for a Shinshinto smith and demonstrate the notoriety of his skill.

At first glance, the shape of this sword lends to an earlier time and one might easily be lead to believe that this is of Nambokucho origins. It appears to be diminished in form as one would expect as a product of centuries of wear and maintenance. But the true period of the sword is not defined entirely of it shape at arm’s length, but of it’s composition and character. The steel has a brighter more gleaming character than one would expect to see from a Koto period shape, but lacks a certain “flavor”, if you will, of earlier steel appearances. The kissaki would appear to have been altered in length, yet the yakiba follows the hasaki in consistent width throughout the sword including the boshi, so if the kissaki had been pulled back, there would generally be some thinning of the yakiba therein. These points, in conjunction with the nakago, and the horimono, lead us to the conclusion that this is copy of a Soshu sword. It has been rendered in handsome form and alludes to a warrior of an earlier time.

This Katana stands as testament to the abilities of Naokatsu. The forging is a tightly forged and well woven itame with masame, yet not garish or overpowering as many Soshu based inspirations can be. It carries lovely swirling chikei throughout its length, but they are gentle and not hard looking against the canvas of jihada. The hamon is choji midare in gentle notare, with deep bright nioiguchi, frequent ashi inserted, profuse streaming sunagashi, and areas sprinkled with ko-nie. The boshi is komaru with intense hakkake. It is mumei with two mekugi-ana.

It has a nice gold foiled habaki, and the shirasaya is beautiful tiger-stripe honoki. Wood of this type is becoming nearly impossible to obtain anymore and it is in lovely condition.

This sword has NBTHK Hozon papers directly attributing it to Jiro Taro Naokatsu. The nagasa is 27 1/8 inches long. The polish has areas of slight scuffing but otherwise is very well done and in excellent condition. This is truly a beautiful piece to study, will provide years of enjoyment, and be a fine addition to a collection.

Offered on Consignment: $11,500.00

ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME! $8500.

 

 

 

 

 

 
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