Antique Nihonto Katana Signed by Katsuhiro NBTHK HOZON TOKEN Certificate

Authentic Nihontō Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Doshu ju Sekita Katsuhiro 土州住関田勝廣  NBTHK  HOZON TŌKEN Certificate

勝廣 (Katsuhiro) was a swordsmith active in the late Edo period and served as the official swordsmith for the 土佐山内家 (Tosa Yamauchi family). He is known for inviting the swordsmith 左行秀 (Sakon Hidetada) from Chikuzen to Tosa, facilitating his settlement and employment as a clan swordsmith. 行秀 (Hidetada) also used 勝廣 (Katsuhiro)'s forge to make swords, and after 勝廣 (Katsuhiro)'s death, 行秀 (Hidetada) succeeded him as the Tosa clan swordsmith. This work was made during the "天保の大飢饉" (Tenpo no Daikikin, Great Tenpo Famine), and in August of that year, a thrift order was issued within the Tosa clan. Although this sword was made during a difficult time with a lack of food, 勝廣 (Katsuhiro ) worked hard to create many excellent pieces, which have earned high praise nationwide as "天保打ち" (Tenpo-uchi).

There are few extant signed works by 勝廣 (Katsuhiro ), with notable pieces including a wakizashi and a few small knives held in the 高知城歴史博物館 (Kochi Castle History Museum).

This sword has a relatively long tang compared to the blade, with a high curvature in the tang as well. The difference in width between the base and the tip is well proportioned, and the steel is well-forged with a fine ko-itame hada, displaying ji-nie and a faint utsuri. The hamon is primarily suguha, with some sections featuring ko-gunome and ko-notare, bright and clear nioiguchi, and some areas with smoky elements. There are particularly large nie clusters near the base on both sides, and the boshi is straight with a slight relaxation and rounded return.

Currently, there are some scratches and wear, and it may appear slightly inferior compared to a freshly polished blade, but there are no significant flaws or defects. Additionally, the rarity of existing pieces makes this sword highly valuable as a historical artifact. For those who have the means, we recommend polishing and fitting it with a new shirasaya to preserve its beauty for future generations.

The accompanying 陸軍九八式刀拵 (Type 98 Army koshirae) has an aluminum saya, and the ray skin used on the hilt is made of celluloid. All serial numbers match with 2362, making it a complete set. Due to long-term use by a professional soldier, the sakura flower fittings show wear. The screw on the kojiri of the saya is missing, but it can be repaired at our shop, so please feel free to consult us. If you wish to have the hilt wrapping redone, we can also accommodate that request.

Bare weight: 544 grams.
Weight with koshirae and without saya: 924 grams.

Nihontō Information