Kaga Masakuni Katana
S0269
Sold
An ubu long, healthy Shinshinto katana by Kaga Masakuni. Signed, Kashu Ju Fujiwara Masakuni _Kita Kore / Keio Yon Nen Ni Gatsu Hi (a day in February 1868 - just before Meiji which started October 23 of that year). Hawatare: 2 shaku 3 sun 0 bu 1 rin (69.7 cm. / 27.44"). Motohaba: 3.21 cm. Sakihaba: 2.25 cm. Kasane: 6.3 mm. Shinogizukure, iroi mune, chu kissaki, shallow torii sori. The hamon is nioi deki in chu suguba with three groups of notare gunome interspersed on both sides of the blade. The pattern in the middle section, becomes crab claw with yo. Unfortunately, the state of polish makes it difficult to get decent pictures, of what is readily visible in hand. The jigane is a tight itame. He is rate in Toko Taikan by Tokuno, at 1,200,000 yen. The traditional Kaga style habaki is original to the blade.
The blade has had surface rust cleaned off. There are scratches and one chip as shown. A healthy Kaga blade worthy of polish. The saya is missing the koiguchi, and is splitting, but repairable.
There are not many examples of this smith's work, as he was active just prior to the Meiji Restoration, which was followed shortly after by the Hattori Act which disbanded the samurai and forbad the wearing of swords.
625