Maizuru Tomohide Katana In Koshirae

[Ray Singer]

Listing for sale a beautiful Soshu-den katana attributed to the shinshinto smith Maizuru Tomohide. This smith originated in Kawachi province and worked for the Hojo daimyo of Sayama domain. It is believed that he later settled in Edo and studied under the jojo-saku smith Koyama Munetsugu. His working time period spans into the Meiji period ending around 1870. Tomohide is known for producing a magnificent sugata reminicent of the outsize blades of the Nambokucho period. His swords tend to have a very wide mihaba, and o-kissaki are typical. Hamon are often in the Soshu-den or So-den Bizen, having a nie-deki hamon of gonome and choji with profuse activity. 

 

This sword is a textbook example of Tomohide's work. The sugata, as expected, is a powerful one reminiscent of Nambokucho work. There is a wide mihaba of 32mm, with little change in width to the yokote. The hamon is a tremendously active Soshu-den, with profuse hataraki (kinsugi, sunagashi, ashi, nado). As you can see in the photos below, the jihada is a very beautiful itame with chikei and ji-nie which also recalls high quality koto Soshu work. The sword is ubu and measures 2 shaku 3 sun (69.7cm). The blade has a 6mm kasane. There is a high quality shirasaya with tsunoguchi and a well-made solid silver habaki.

 

Additionally, this sword comes with a very nice koshirae. The saya is samegawa in perfect condition. It appears that the tsuka has been re-wrapped and the menuki are modern. The fuchigashira and tsuba are ensuite (and appear to be made by the same hand) in sakura motif. Each piece is iron with sakura inlaid in shakudo, silver and gold. The tsuba is also sakura shape. 

 

SOLD

[Ray Singer]

Photos of the koshirae are attached.

[Vermithrax16]

This is a stunning piece. Great offer Ray. Wow. 

[vajo]

Amazing Sword. Love it.

[Dr Fox]

Ray its always a pleasure to view your sale items, they always present an opportunity see excellent pieces.

Presentation, explanation and full description its all there, thank you.

[Ray Singer]

Thanks all for the kind words. This piece is still available.

 

Best regards,

Ray

[Vermithrax16]

Great deal, wonderful sword. Wish I could Ray but I think you know why I can't......... add that wife would kill me

[Renech]

As always wonderful sword Ray.

 

Rene Chavez

[Ray Singer]

Much appreciated, thank you Rene

[general_piffle]

Beautiful piece Ray! If I was in the market I'd be very tempted. 

[Vermithrax16]

If one is looking for a complete, real deal, package. This would be exactly that. 

[Greg F]

What a beautiful piece this is Ray. The blade is amazing, so many details.

 

Greg

[Ray Singer]

Sold on Instagram, please archive.