Outstanding Katana by Niji Kunitoshi

SOLD!

Translation of the setsumei (commentary) from the Juyo Zufu

• Nagasa 68.75 cm
• Sori 1.55 cm 
• motohaba 2.8 cm
• sakihaba 2.1 cm
• kissaki-nagasa 3.5 cm
• nakago- nagasa 20.6 cm, only very little nakago-sori

Description

Keijō: shinogi-zukuri, iori-mune, mihaba and kasane of normal proportions and dimensions, slightly noticeable taper, relatively shalow sori, somewhat elongated chū-kissaki
Kitae: finely standing-out itame that is mixed with mokume and that features ji-nie and a faint nie- utsuri

Hamon: nie-laden chōji-chō with a wide, bright, and clear nioiguchi that is mixed with some gunome and togari, ashi, yō, kinsuji, sunagashi, and a few muneyaki, the ha tends to suguha-chō in places and does not feature prominent ups and downs
Bōshi: midare-komi with a ko-maru-kaeri on the omote side and a somewhat pointed kaeri on the ura side, hakikake appear on both sides

Nakago: ō-suriage, kirijiri, kiri-yasurime, one mekugi-ana, mumei

Explanation

It is said that Kunitoshi (国俊) was the son of Rai Kuniyuki (来国行). To differentiate them from works signed with the three characters “Rai Kunitoshi,” works that do not contain the prefix Rai and that are only signed with the two characters (Japanese: niji) “Kunitoshi” are referred to as Niji Kunitoshi. Dated blades from both categories do not rule out that we are facing here the body of work of a single smith, but as noticeable differences in workmanship exist, the terms Niji Kunitoshi and Rai Kunitoshi can be used as stylistic differentiators.

This blade is ō-suriage mumei It shows an itame with nie-utsuri and a relatively flamboyant, nie– laden, and chōji-based midareba, that also features muneyaki. Thus, the blade displays a workmanship, which attributes it to Niji Kunitoshi and we are in agreement with its period attribution to this smith. Also, the work is of an excellent deki.

More images of this piece will be posted in the next few days.

Offered On Consignment: SOLD