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Item# TS100
Antique Katana sword in Ornate Mounting
Early Edo Period, Kan'ei Era (1624–1644 CE)
NBTHK Hozon certificated (Well Preserved certificate)

Swordsmith: Nobukuni Yoshimasa

A quality Katana sword from SAMURAI STORE Tokyo.

Katana – Nobukuni Yoshimasa (信国吉政) 

Early Edo Period, circa 1624–1644 CE | NBTHK Hozon Token

Swordsmith: Mumei (Unsigned), attributed to Nobukuni Yoshimasa (信国吉政)
Province: Chikuzen Province (Present-day Fukuoka Prefecture)
Period: Early Edo Period, Kan'ei Era (1624–1644 CE)
Certification: NBTHK Hozon Token (Certificate of Preservation)
Blade Type: Katana
Blade Construction: Shinogi-zukuri
Tang: O-suriage (Substantially Shortened)
Hamon: Saka-choji midare and suguha-based ko-midare

An Exceptional Work by Nobukuni Yoshimasa – A Remarkable Contrast of Hamon on Both Sides

This distinguished katana is attributed by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK) to Nobukuni Yoshimasa, a highly accomplished swordsmith who served the Kuroda clan, rulers of the Fukuoka Domain in Chikuzen Province during the early Edo period.

Yoshimasa was particularly celebrated for his naginata, yet his mastery extended well beyond polearms. Possessing considerable expertise in both the Soshu-den and Bizen-den traditions, he produced blades of exceptional technical refinement. Some of his finest works exhibit qualities reminiscent of the celebrated Ko-Bizen and Ichimonji schools, demonstrating his remarkable versatility and sophisticated understanding of classical Japanese swordmaking.

An Extraordinary Hamon – Two Distinct Expressions in a Single Blade

The most remarkable characteristic of this katana is the striking difference between the temper patterns on its two sides, an unusual and particularly fascinating feature that distinguishes it from more conventional works.

On the omote (front) side, the hamon begins with an expressive saka-choji midare, a distinctive pattern of reverse-slanting clove-shaped formations. From approximately the middle of the blade toward the tip, the temper line transitions into an elegant suguha, a straight and refined pattern recalling the classical workmanship of the prestigious Rai school.

On the ura (reverse) side, this arrangement is reversed, creating a fascinating contrast between the two faces of the same blade.

This deliberate variation gives the sword two remarkably different visual expressions, revealing the swordsmith's sophisticated control of the hardening process and his ability to combine contrasting classical styles within a single composition.

Vivid Midare-Utsuri – A Testament to Exceptional Craftsmanship

Another outstanding feature is the clearly visible midare-utsuri in the jigane (steel surface).

Utsuri is a subtle, mist-like reflection that appears within the steel above the hamon. Particularly associated with the great Bizen swordmaking tradition, it is highly appreciated by knowledgeable collectors for both its aesthetic beauty and the technical accomplishment required to produce it.

In this blade, the vivid, irregular reflections of midare-utsuri provide an especially compelling visual effect, further demonstrating Yoshimasa's command of classical forging and heat-treatment techniques.

Together, the contrasting hamon and prominent utsuri create a blade of exceptional visual interest, inviting close examination from both sides.

Historical Significance and Collectible Appeal

The Nobukuni school traces its origins to the medieval Japanese swordmaking tradition, and its craftsmen maintained a distinguished reputation through successive generations.

As a swordsmith serving the Kuroda clan, Yoshimasa worked within the sophisticated martial culture of early Edo-period Chikuzen, where the traditions of the samurai remained deeply influential.

Although this katana has an o-suriage tang and no surviving signature, its attribution to Nobukuni Yoshimasa is formally recognized by the NBTHK through its Hozon Token certification.

For collectors who appreciate the subtle distinctions of Japanese swordmaking, this katana offers a particularly rewarding combination of historical significance, technical sophistication, and unusual aesthetic character.

The exceptionally contrasting hamon on its two sides, together with its vivid midare-utsuri, makes this a highly distinctive example of Yoshimasa's craftsmanship and a compelling addition to a serious Japanese sword collection

This katana is available for viewing at SAMURAI STORE's showroom in Tokyo, Japan. We welcome collectors to arrange a private appointment to examine the blade and appreciate its craftsmanship in person.

Also Comes With:
Standard Sword Bag

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