Lot 1318: Edo-Era Signed Japanese Sword w/Accessories

Included with the sword is a photocopy of an original evaluation certificate attributed to the "Japanese Sword Museum" (a Tokyo-based establishment run by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, aka the NBTHK, top authority on authentic Japanese blades in Japan, and by extension the world); the consignor supplied translation gives a date of 1684 (Edo era) and a signature "Heianjo Fujiwara Morikuni"; hailing from Yamato, Morikuni is recorded as a second-generation smith, and a student of Hirokane. Additionally, the provided papers attribute the signatures on the fittings to a master by the name of "Seito". Overall length is 37 1/2 inches, with the blade measuring 27 1/4 inches and installed fitted with a copper one-piece habaki. The hamon is strong and straight, with the skin of the blade showing very active and attractive grain. A repeating dragon motif is present on the furniture, which are constructed from blackened shakudo metal with bright polished gold accents, with the round tsuba in particular showing elaborate sculpted dragons running three quarters of the circumference of each side on a field of clouds. The grip is wrapped in black cord, with a pair of armorial themed shakudo menuki. The lacquer finish on the saya is a "cracked ice" pattern, with textured brown geometric shapes divided by glossy black borders, and an iron tip with silver and gold accents, including sculpted silver insect designs. The tang features a single mekugi-ana, with the 7-figure signature on the left side. Also included with the group is a set of shirasaya mounts, including a plain hardwood blade of similar dimensions to the one with the sword, and a pair of silk pouches, one in unadorned purple, the other black with gold floral designs.

Excellent overall. The blade shows attractive grain and color overall, with a few light edge nicks. The furniture shows some light wear, with the habaki being a tight fit for the saya, and the accessories are in good order.