IZUMI NO KAMI FUJIWARA NOBUIE KATANA WITH MOUNTS AND NBTHK PAPERS

While Nobuie originally signed his swords with a different character, he changed after receiving the title Izumi no Kami, a title granted by the Imperial Court in recognition of his craftsmanship; this sword is signed Izumi no Kami and utilizes the second character. Unaltered ubu nakago with one mekugi-ana with kiri yasurime and a ha agari nakagojiri, signed "Izumi no Kami Fujiwara Nobuie". This example measures 2 shaku 3 sun 9 bu (approximately 72.4cm or 28 - 1/2") in the classic shinogi zukuri form with iori mune. With a well cut bohi and a powerful gunome midare hamon in nie deki, with sunagashi at the monouchi and ji-nie. Well made ko-itame jihada with chikei at the machi. Gold washed habaki carved with falling rain designs. Boshi is difficult to see but appears to be a very tight ko maru. Accompanied by NBTHK Hozon papers, attesting to the authenticity and quality of the blade; the papers also confirm that this signature was done in the Meireki era, approximately 1655. The sword is housed in the original mounts, with a refined roiro saya with horn koiguchi and koijiri, a period replaced tsuba of soft iron with floral motifs at the corners. Fuchi Kashira signed by Yoshimasa, with well cut incised and low relief designs of florals. Faded purple tsuka ito, with menuki in the form of florals. PROVENANCE: This sword was recently exported out of Japan and has not been offered on the American market before. CONDITION: Excellent, in polish, some minor handling marks, including one minor pockmark in ha on omote. Mounts very good with some age related discoloration and handling marks. This is an outstanding ubu sword by a make recognized for his skill, already mounted and papered.

ADDENDUM: Title amended.

Name

Value

Accessories

Mounts

Blade Length

2 shaku 3 sun 9 bu

Overall Length

38 - 1/4"

Paperwork

Papers