Japanese Katana Sword, Signed Kanesada, With Nbthk Certificate - 17th Century.

JAPAN - 9th year of the Kanbun era (1669). Samurai katana in shirasaya. FUSHI - KASHIRA in patinated, silvered and gilded copper suite decorated with cherry blossoms (associated with spring) on a nanako background. TSUKA in wood covered with ray skin and blue silk braid. MENUKIS in chiseled, patinated and gilded copper depicting stylized plant motifs (perhaps wisteria). TSUBA moko-gata in chiseled, patinated and gilded metal depicting cherry blossoms on a nanako background, the mimi hatched and gilded. SAYA in lacquered wood with a red spiral motif (Hirumaki Nori) in slight relief on a black background. Double HABAKI in silver metal decorated with vertical and horizontal grooves. Straight blade, regular hamon, straight and well marked, the tang pierced once, signed by Karachi-no-Kami Kanesada in the 9th year of the Kanbun era, i.e. 1699. Sold with the stand, its silk case for transport and its NBTHK Hozon certificate. NBTHK also known as Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai (the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Sword Art), is one of the oldest organizations for evaluating Japanese swords in modern Japan. Dimensions: 102 x 7.5 x 7 cm. Length of the edge: 69.6 cm. Curvature (sori): 1.7 cm. Notes: Kawachi-no-Kami Kanesada is a descendant of Tegai Kanenaga, the founder of the Tegai school in Yamato Province, a region corresponding to present-day Nara Prefecture. Kanesada's real name was Monju Matashiro. "Kawachi no Kami" corresponds to an honorable official title given by the imperial court for excellent craftsmanship. The Tegai school, based near Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan's most famous Buddhist temples in Yamato, was known for producing durable and functional swords favored by samurai. The name "Tegai" comes from the Tengai Gate, which was a landmark near the swordsmiths' shop. At its height in the late Kamakura period, the school became known for its exceptional craftsmanship, providing weapons to warriors during a time of intense conflict and political upheaval. Kanesada went on to serve Tsuchiya Kazunao, the lord of Tsuchiura Domain in Hitachi Province, now part of modern Ibaraki Prefecture, during the early Edo period. There are also records of his establishment in Edo City (present-day Tokyo). Kanesada's work maintained the traditions of the Tegai school, ensuring that its techniques and craftsmanship were preserved well into the Edo period. His dedication to the art of swordmaking allowed the swordmaking skills of Yamato Province to flourish, even as Japan transitioned from the Warring States Period (Sengoku period; 1467–1615) to an era of relative peace.