SC0057
This sword belongs to the Koto period mounted in Edo era rare nashiji tsuba and elaborated tsuka accessories..
Swords of this kind are extremely rare with its beautiful elaborated mounting and made mainly for Imperial Court ceremonial purposes through out Japanese history.
Some major Japanese museums and shrines may have one on display, a few in the Imperial collection and some in private collections. Those that appeared on the market were recent copies.
The unusual tsuba originated from Chinese design and is attributed by the Japanese as similar in appearance to the cake offered to Buddha. This is a ceremonial koshirae carried in the Imperial Court and not for actual combat. The handle is rayskin wrapped with the menuki of a large dragon exposed with treasured shells.
Old Tachis efu koshirae are rare though some Meiji era made or later can sometimes be seen on the market but still, the recent made copied mounting alone can sell for thousands of dollars on ebay.
The blade reflects an aura of mysterious dark tone with tiny bubbles and the hamon gives out a bluish shine which is the characteristic of a Koto blade.
The blade has a groove from beginning to the ending of the blade and is very heavy and healthy after restoration.
A museum quality polishing would cost US$130 per inch and Japan in its prolong deflationary situation, is affecting the maintenance of many rare swords that are neglected after being in the family for so many generations.
NOTE: All my swords are licensed by the police and for my own collection and to share it with other sword collectors.
None is for sale or exchange so please don't ask.
Price : NOT FOR SALE