ABOUT US: At Supein Nihonto we strive to bring you high quality samurai swords and armors at prices far below the competition. We are probably the largest exporter in Europe and we are proud to anunce that we are number one TOP SELLER in Catawiki Samurai and Japanese auctions. This is especially important to save on taxes and waiting times that can exceed four months deliveries with Japanese sellers also headaches with tedious and sometimes problematic processes that further lengthen deliveries, even returning the parcel to its origin and more than 35% extra on the final price due the customs, tariffs and fees that increase the product but not the quality and the future resell. We are also professional sellers and therefore our satisfaction guarantee, knowledge and standards are superior to private sellers and with higher after sales guarantees. Thanks to this and the lowest professional prices in the industry plus our fast and efficient shipping method which rarely exceeds three days delivery in Europe, we are sure you will enjoy this great opportunity to own a piece of art that will appreciate in value for years to come and a great investment. Trust us to enjoy the samurai art. ITEM DESCRIPTION: Comes with kimono or cotton bag. Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto. Comes with copy of Tokosusho. A katana of distinguished bearing, bearing on its nakago (tang) the incised signature 糸久 (Itohisa), and mounted in a complete koshirae of refined quality throughout — an ensemble in which the restrained, martial aesthetic of the Higo metalworking tradition is maintained with quiet consistency from guard to pommel. The blade is of classical shinogi-zukuri construction with iori-mune (ridged spine), displaying a measured sori of 0 sun 6 bu (approximately 1.8 cm) over a nagasa of approximately 63.1 cm. The geometry is assured and well-proportioned. The jihada (body grain) presents as a well-worked ko-itame with mokume tendency, the steel exhibiting the fine crystalline activity indicative of quality tamahagane. A single mekugi-ana is present, consistent with the blade having been maintained in a continuous mounting lineage. The hamon (tempered edge) is among the most compelling features of this sword. Running in a lively notare-gunome — a broad undulating wave interspersed with rounded clove-like formations — it is heavily charged with nie (large martensite crystals), lending the temper line a sparkling, almost frosted quality when examined under raking light. This abundance of nie, combined with the assertive activity of the pattern, points to a smith working within a vigorous provincial tradition of the late Edo period. The kissaki (point) is of chū-kissaki form, well-preserved and cleanly polished. The koshirae presents as a coherent and carefully considered ensemble in the manner of the Higo metalworking school — that celebrated tradition of swordfittings production fostered under the patronage of the Hosokawa lords of Higo province (present-day Kumamoto) from the early Edo period, and sustained by master smiths of the Hayashi, Nishigaki, and Shimizu lineages. The fittings here share the characteristic Higo vocabulary: dark iron grounds, restrained silhouettes, and decoration in nunome-zōgan and raised gold lacquer applied with disciplined economy. The tsuba (hand guard) is a fine example in the Higo manner: an oval form in dark patinated iron with the gracefully lobed profile (mokko-gata) preferred by the Higo masters. The upper rim carries a delicately worked spray of kiri (paulownia) blossoms and curling tendrils in gold nunome-zōgan inlay — the paulownia being one of the most auspicious motifs in Japanese heraldry, associated with the imperial house and the highest ranks of the samurai class. A secondary band of fine gold scrollwork borders the fuchi side of the guard. The fuchi (handle collar) and kashira (pommel cap) form a matched suite: both are in warm amber-brown lacquered iron, each decorated in raised gold with sprays of kiri blossoms and karakusa (arabesque scroll) tendrils — motifs that flow naturally from the tsuba and establish the unified decorative programme of the koshirae. The kashira is of elegant oval form; its gold decoration is executed with precision and fine relief, the blossoms modelled with natural ease. The tsuka (handle) is mounted over genuine same (ray skin) of amber-gold tone with pronounced, well-matched nodules, wrapped in hineri-maki style with a dark blue-grey (kon) braided silk ito, creating the characteristic diamond-lozenge openings through which the same glows warmly. Set within the wrap are a pair of notable menuki (ornamental grip fittings). The saya (scabbard) is finished in a deeply burnished black lacquer (kuro-roiro-nuri) of excellent gloss, with a polished copper koiguchi (mouth fitting). The austerity of the scabbard — undecorated save for the warm gleam of the copper — reflects with precision the Higo aesthetic sensibility: that all ornament belongs to the fittings, and the scabbard serves as a foil. The dark braided silk sageo (suspension cord), well-preserved, is tied in a formal knot at the kurikata. An Authentic nihonto japanese sword, difficult to find in Europe, without the consequent costs of importing from Japan or from Japanese sellers, which can increase the price of the sword by up to 30% and a months waiting for shipment and custom paperwork. A truly real nihonto to delight both new and experienced collectors. All my swords are originals, imported from japan and Europe during many years of collection. All bids are binding, if you are not interested don't let other bidders miss the opportunity. Winning the auction and not paying for the item blocks you from bidding on catawiki on any auction forever, keep this in mind before bidding. Attribution is provided for reference only, subject to authentication. Please see my other samurai swords and items clicking on my seller name. Combine shipping avaliable.