A HIZEN KATANA IN SHIRASAYA WITH NBTHK KICHO CERTIFICATE Japan, early Edo period (1615-1868) The sugata is shinogi-zukuri with iori mune, chu-kissaki, and torii sori, forged in masame hada with a suguha hamon in nioi-deki, the nakagi is suriage (shortened) with three mekugi-ana, a kiri jiri, and a partial mei reading HIZEN JU. The gold habaki with diagonal file marks. With an NBTHK Kicho (‘Precious’) certificate issued on 12 April 1965. NAGASA 65 cm, LENGTH 92 cm (the shirasaya) Condition: Good condition with minor wear, few tiny rust spots, and very little ware.

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