{"product_id":"antique-japanese-katana-sword-signed-ienaga-saku","title":"Antique Japanese Katana Sword signed Ienaga Saku - NBTHK Hozon","description":"\u003csection class=\"product\"\u003e\u003cheader\u003e\u003c\/header\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"specs\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature (Mei):\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan lang=\"ja\"\u003e家長作（加州）\u003c\/span\u003e Ienaga saku (Kashū)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwordsmith:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ienaga (Fujishima School)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSchool \/ Tradition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kashū \/ Fujishima lineage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod \/ Province:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early Edo period \/ Kaga Province\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertificate:\u003c\/strong\u003e NBTHK Hozon (保存刀剣)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMounting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Period-correct Koshirae and Shirasaya\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Length (Nagasa):\u003c\/strong\u003e 61.1 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCurvature (Sori):\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.4 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMekugi-ana:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shinogi-zukuri\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJihada:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-forged Itame with areas of Masame-nagare\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHamon:\u003c\/strong\u003e Active Gunome-midare with bright Nioikuchi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA refined \u003cstrong\u003eKatana\u003c\/strong\u003e certified \u003cstrong\u003eNBTHK Hozon\u003c\/strong\u003e and attributed to the swordsmith \u003cstrong\u003eIenaga\u003c\/strong\u003e of \u003cstrong\u003eKashū\u003c\/strong\u003e (Kaga Province). This blade measures \u003cstrong\u003e61.1 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in nagasa with a graceful \u003cstrong\u003e1.4 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e sori, presenting a balanced and classic \u003cstrong\u003eshinogi-zukuri\u003c\/strong\u003e silhouette. The tang (nakago) is \u003cstrong\u003ezaimei\u003c\/strong\u003e (signed), bearing the clear engraving \"Ienaga saku,\" which has been authenticated by the Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe workmanship reflects the transition from the late Muromachi into the early Edo period, showcasing a vivid \u003cstrong\u003ehamon\u003c\/strong\u003e of irregular \u003cstrong\u003egunome\u003c\/strong\u003e. The steel surface displays a tight \u003cstrong\u003eitame\u003c\/strong\u003e grain that is characteristic of the Fujishima school's output in the Kaga region, known for its resilience and functional beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"koshirae\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKoshirae Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis sword is accompanied by a beautiful and period-appropriate koshirae. The \u003cstrong\u003esaya\u003c\/strong\u003e is finished in a striking deep-red textured lacquer, providing a sophisticated contrast to the dark \u003cstrong\u003etsuka-ito\u003c\/strong\u003e. The \u003cstrong\u003etsuba\u003c\/strong\u003e is an iron work featuring intricate gold \u003cem\u003enunome-zogan\u003c\/em\u003e (overlay) depicting chrysanthemums, a symbol of longevity and nobility. The overall mounting is well-preserved, reflecting the high status and care this blade has received over the centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSwordsmith Background\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIenaga\u003c\/strong\u003e was a skilled smith within the \u003cstrong\u003eFujishima school\u003c\/strong\u003e, which originally migrated from Yamashiro to Kaga province. The Kashū smiths were highly regarded for their practical cutting ability and were the primary sword makers for the \u003cstrong\u003eMaeda clan\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the most powerful daimyo families in Japan. The work of Ienaga is celebrated for maintaining the traditional aesthetics of the Fujishima line while adapting to the sturdier shapes required during the turbulent transition into the Edo period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSchool History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eKashū (Kaga) school\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most significant regional traditions outside of the primary \"Gokaden\" (Five Traditions). It is characterized by a \"whitish\" steel (\u003cem\u003eshirake-utsuri\u003c\/em\u003e) and a blend of Sōshū and Mino styles. As a \u003cstrong\u003ezaimei\u003c\/strong\u003e (signed) work, this blade serves as a definitive example of the Fujishima lineage's artistry in the Hokuriku region, combining a robust field-ready character with the elegance demanded by the samurai elite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Tokyo Nihonto","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51212881100967,"sku":"KATANA58","price":5934.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0763\/6792\/1319\/files\/P1100291-Enhanced-NR.jpg?v=1786767966","url":"https:\/\/minkatana.shop\/products\/antique-japanese-katana-sword-signed-ienaga-saku","provider":"MINKATANA","version":"1.0","type":"link"}