£3,500
A FINE JAPANESE KATANA
With ornately cast bronze mounts throughout featuring gilt dragons; the white shagreen grip with black ito wrap; the fullered blade measuring approx. 69.5cm overall and housed in a black lacquered saya, the butt end having an engraved white metal cap; the whole measuring approx. 96cm in length, contained an embroidered silk protective sleeve; the kogatana inscribed to blade
The closest smith for this item would be "Nihon Kaji Sosho, Iga no kami Kanemichi (active mid Edo period).
The above attribution is suggested by an independent specialist in Japanese art and antiques.
Unfortunately, we have been unable to remove the grip to expose the tang. While we have removed the mekugi, the grip itself is stuck fast. In order not to risk any damage to the sword, we will not be making any further attempts to remove it.
We recently uploaded additional images, showing inscriptions to kogatana.
We believe the katana dates to circa-1900. The vendor's family had links with Japan around this time and it is believed the katana was acquired new, as a possible presentation piece. There is no documentary provenance to accompany this lot.
The blade measures approx. 69cm in length, from tsuba to tip.
The overall condition is very good. Please study additional images. There are multiple small chips to the lacquer of the saya. Kogatana blade somewhat corroded/rusted. Some amount of play in the tsuba and habaki. Some wear to ito wrap through handling. The blade is generally good, with light tarnish throughout. Some minor corrosion at tip, along back edge and near to habaki. One significant nick to back edge towards tip. Some very minor nicks to cutting edge. General light wear/patination to bronze mounts.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
28.80% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
31.8% inc VAT*
