武士刀 - Takahashi Naganobu - 日本 - Edo Period (1600-1868)

这是一个杰出且极具 Shinshinto 时期特色的作品，归属于 Takahashi Naganobu，同时体现出技术精湛与历史意义。这把剑很可能是为了 shrine 捐赠而铸造的。

Shinshinto Period
Attributed to: Takahashi Naganobu (高橋長信)
Period: Shinshinto, ca. 1830–1860
Provenance: Izumo and Bushu Edo (现代的 Shimane & Tokyo prefectures)
Papered: NBTHK Hozon

Sword Details
Type: Shinogi-zukuri No-Dachi

Nagasa (Cutting Edge): 90.5 cm

Motohaba (Base Width): 3.7 cm

Kasane (Thickness): 0.84 cm

Sori (Curvature): 2.0 cm

Weight (Blade Only): 1306 g

Mounts Length: 133 cm (Aikuchi koshirae)

Blade Features
Condition: UBU (unaltered, original length), with 2 Mekugi-ana, and no forging flaws or fukure.

Hamon: Gunome-midare with vibrant Ara-nie and Niedeki.

Jihada: Well-forged Itame with flowing Masanagare, featuring Jinie and Ara-nie.

Habaki: High-quality 2-piece gold-foil wrapped type.

Mountings (Koshirae)
Type: Rare, specially commissioned Aikuchi-style koshirae (typically reserved for tanto), designed for ceremonial donation.

Saya: Lacquered in black Urushi, fitted with buffalo horn elements including Fuchi & Kashira, Kaeshizuno, and Kojiri.

Tsuka: Exceptionally large at 33 cm, bound in black silk Ito over black lacquered Samegawa.

Kashira: Approximately 6 cm wide.

Menuki: High-relief Shakudo dragons with gilding.

Kogai: Rare, Muromachi period (ca. 1500), with plant motif and gold accents.

Shirasaya: Included, with Tsunagi (wooden blade replica).

Historical Context and Significance
Takahashi Naganobu (1817–1879) was born in Izumo as Sezaki Zenzo. Trained under the 15th-generation Fuyuhiro and later Chounsai Tsunatoshi of the prestigious Kato school in Edo, he became known for producing exceptionally sharp, Jo-saku to Saijo-O-wazamono class blades. A devout man, he is also remembered for forging one of the largest ken swords in Japan (150 cm, still at Naritasan Shorinji Temple).

Appraisal Notes
NBTHK Hozon papers confirm the blade’s authenticity and historical value.

This is an exceptional example of a Shinto-to-Shinshinto transition period particularly valued for:

Its oversized ceremonial scale,

Rare koshirae configuration,

Attribution to a Saijo-O-wazamono grade swordsmith,

Well-preserved polish and complete mounts.