Original Item: Only One Available. The Japanese Katana (刀 or かたな) is a sword characterized by a curved, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. The design is iconic, and probably one of the best known sword styles in the world, easily identifiable even in silhouette. The official term for katana in Japan is uchigatana (打刀) and the term katana (刀) often refers to single-edged swords from around the world. Developed later than the tachi, it was used by samurai in feudal Japan and worn with the edge facing upward.

After the Meiji Restoration, its used became much less widespread, however when Imperial Japan developed large ambitions, the Katana once again returned as a sign of prestige and rank. After the war, many were brought home by returning U.S. servicemen, which how most that we see ended up in the United States.

This example dates from the later Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo. It is around the middle of the blade length range, and has a "Shinogi Zukuri" shape, the standard for the Katana.

This example has been remounted several times, as was common for Japanese blades, as indicated by the multiple holes in the tang. This combined with age has made the file marks (yasurime) on the tang faint, and given it a lovely patina from oxidation and rust scaling. The blade is signed, however the TAGANE (chisel marks) are faint and the TAGANE MAKURA (raised area around the mei) is completely gone, and the characters are faint. We estimate it was probably made in the 17th century, based on the condition of the tang and blade.

As best we can tell, the sword is signed 山 城 守 秀 次 - YAMASHIRO NO KAMI HIDETSUGU, however the last character is definitely worn, so we are not entirely clear that is the correct reading. We have unfortunately not been able to find much information based on the signature, which is common with much older blades. It is definitely of high quality and very old, so we leave this as research project for the future owner.

The blade has the following period correct features:

- Folded steel blade (fold lines are evident on the spine and body of the blade)
- holes (mekugi-ana) in the tang are punched and not drilled
- blade is signed on the tang by the maker.
- blade has a temper line (hamon)
- Blade wounds (kizu) or lamination artifacts are present on the blade. Both ware (lamination lines) and fukure (carbon pits) are visible.

The this example has an overall length of 34 inches, and the blade is 24 inches long. The polish is unfortunately degraded, showing past staining and oxidation, which was probably cleaned away using uchiko powder. There is however no major pit rust, and some areas of the blade are still bright. The edge is still relatively sharp with no real dents or bends except for the very tip of the blade. The tang (nakago) is of the futsu 普通 (regular) style, with a Haagari (asymmetrically rounded) nakago-jiri (tang-tip).

The HAMON (刃文 - temper line) is still visible in places, and is a very nice NOTARE MIDARE (湾れ乱れ - irregular wave) like shape. The YOKOTE is not visible at all, nor is the BOSHI (tip temper line). There are blade wounds including ware (lamination splits) and fukure (Carbon pits) confirming that it is a traditionally handmade blade.

The TSUBA (cross guard) is made of iron and is of the MARU GATA (round) shape, with a single HITSU-ANA accessory slot, probably for a kogatana handle (KOZUKA). It has a lovely scalloped design on it, similar to a Chrysanthemum, along with some perforations that may originally have had some type of metal inlay. There are some lovely designs on one side, including some gold inlay. Definitely a very old TSUBA with some great history to it. There are two SEPPA (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, though due to the handle shrinking it is still a bit loose even when they are fitted. The HABAKI is made from copper, and is definitely EDO period style.

The FUCHI (collar) for the TSUKA (handle) is a simple patinated iron example, and the KASHIRA (butt cap) is made from brass. There are two gold highlighted non-magnetic MENUKI grip ornaments, which show three flowers with three petals each. The stingray (Sa-Me) grip is in very good condition, and definitely looks to be real ray skin, and not synthetic. The dark blue green grip wrapping (ITO) shows some wear and staining, but no major damage. It does look to have been redone sometime in the 19th century. The mekugi (grip peg) is a recent replacement.

The sword comes in a well fitting wooden scabbard (saya), which has a very attractive gloss dark brown URUSHI lacquer finish. It is possible that it was originally black, and that the color has faded a bit due to age. There is a slot on the side for a KOGATANA knife, however there is not one included. The other side has the KURIKATA knob on the side for a SAGEO sword cord, which also has a SHITODOME fitting on one side. It does look like the kurikata was reglued at one point.

A very nice Edo Period Katana, complete with scabbard and some lovely fittings. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 24"
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造)
Overall length: 34“
Scabbard Length: 25"

It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.

Each hand-made Japanese blade (日本刀 - Nihonto) is unique because it is forged from multiple pieces of folded steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room.

The traditional Japanese blade and mountings have grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.