A Beautiful, Handsome & Most Elegant Samurai Katana Around 600 Plus Years Old. Late Nanboku-chō period (南北朝時代, Nanboku-chō jidai) & Leading into the Sengoku Jidai, Warring States Era. A Beautiful, Handsome & Most Elegant Samurai Katana

Long elegant early blade with fine deep graduating curve Toriizori (鳥居反り) Uniform curve along the entire blade, with typical, early, ko-kissaki

Toriizori describes an even, graceful arc from tang to tip, named after the curved gates (torii) at Shinto shrines. This balanced curvature became standard during the mid to late Kamakura period (1200-1333) as fighting techniques evolved. The uniform curve optimizes both cutting and thrusting while maintaining excellent balance.
Versatile for multiple techniques, balanced feel, effective cutting geometry throughout blade length .

The saya is ishime lacquer in a beautifully rich, russet colour, with polished carved black buffalo horn fittings. The blade was very grubby {see photo 3 in the gallery} so it is now in the middle of conservation and polishing. New photos will be added next week once it is completed and once more looking amazing.

Higo school fuchigashira, engraved with crashing waves in turbulant sea with low flying seabirds, large mokko gata iron plate tsuba, Edo period, chisselled with a small fishing boat with a mountain in the background. Signed. Menuki of deep takebori gilded copper carp in turbulant waves. green-blue tsukaito over traditional samegawa {giant rayskin}.

Picture 10 in the gallery is an original antique edo period Japanese woodblock print of a samurai bearing his sword in the very same livery as this sword. {For information only}

The Nanboku-chō era (1336–1392) in Japan was a tumultuous period of civil war between the Northern and Southern Imperial Courts, driven by rival claims to the throne after the Kamakura shogunate's fall, featuring significant shifts in warfare, art (increasing realism and warrior focus), and the rise of the Ashikaga shogunate, with key developments like extremely long swords no dachi also known as tachi, and guerrilla tactics amidst constant strife, culminating in the nominal reunification but underlying power struggles.

Key Aspects of Nanboku-chō Warfare & Era were the dual Imperial Courts: The imperial family split into a Northern Court (backed by Ashikaga) and a Southern Court (led by Emperor Go-Daigo and based in Yoshino).
The conflict facilitated the fall of the Kamakura Shogunate and the establishment of the Ashikaga (Muromachi) Shogunate, with Ashikaga Takauji emerging as a dominant figure.
The prolonged conflict saw the use of guerrilla warfare. Castles were built using suitable terrain, and ideal to survive sieges.
There was a move away from Heian-era courtly aesthetics towards more direct, virile, and realistic art reflecting the warrior class's values.
The era ended in 1392 when the Southern Court formally renounced its claim for the North, though this resolution left lingering questions of legitimacy.
Legacy: The period laid groundwork for the turbulent Muromachi era and the subsequent Sengoku period, shaping Japanese political identity and military. This led into the Ōnin War (1467–1477): A devastating civil war that shattered central authority and ushered in the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States).

There are many reasons why people enjoy collecting swords. Some people are drawn to the beauty and craftsmanship of swords, while others appreciate their historical and cultural significance. Swords can also be a symbol of power and strength, and some collectors find enjoyment in the challenge of acquiring rare or valuable swords.

One of the greatest joys of sword collecting is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of different civilisations. Swords have been used by warriors for millennia, and each culture has developed its own unique sword designs and traditions. By studying swords, collectors can gain a deeper understanding of the people who made and used them.

Another joy of sword collecting is the sheer variety of swords that are available, and we are fortunate to have likely one of the most varied and largest selection of original swords, from all nations, in the world. There are swords in our gallery from all over the globe and from every period of history, going back almost 4000 years, Collectors can choose to specialize in a particular type of sword, such as Japanese katanas or medieval swords, or they can collect a variety of swords from different cultures and time periods. No matter what your reasons for collecting swords, it is a hobby that can provide many years of enjoyment. Swords are beautiful, fascinating, and historically significant objects.
The blades polish is beautiful with just the usual minuscule age surface mark, as all antique and ancient swords must always be expected to have at least some very small natural age appropriate flaws.

Every single item from The Lanes Armoury is accompanied by our unique Certificate of Authenticity. Part of our continued dedication to maintain the standards forged by us over the past 100 years of trading

Code: 26405