| Place | Asia: Japan, Kure |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/03861.002 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Edged weapon or club |
| Place made | Japan |
| Date made | c 1300 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Japanese Katana Sword Blade
Description
Japanese sword blade. It is described by Kotoken Kajihara, the Japanese sword polisher in 1983, as: "Few swords made in the Kamakura era have Ubu-Nakago. This Tachi blade was, however, made at that time and has it. It seems to have been owned by a high-ranking person and was used for ceremonial purposes. The sugata is beautiful with the Jihada and Hamon excellent, which suggests it was made by a high-ranking swordsmith, possibly Kunikiyo. He was a high-ranking swordsmith who lived at Yamato and belonged to the Senjuin School in the Kamakura era. Type: Katana - Length: 62.0 cm, Curvature: 1.9 cm, Jihada: Itame-Hada, Hamon: Suguha but a little irregular, Kissaki: Sho-Kissaki, Nakago: Ubu-Nakago, Period: Koto, Kamakura (c 1300), Sword quality: Good". A new silver habaki with a mottled pattern is fitted to the blade.
History / Summary
This sword was found in a storeroom at Kure, Japan by Reverend Francis when he was serving as a Lieutenant with 3 RAR prior to his posting to Korea in 1953.