Katana AOE School NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon with Koshirae and Dr Kanzan Sayagaki

Description

For Sale a Katana from The AOE School, Yamashiro Tradition.  It is decked out with many nice attributes, including Tokubetsu Hozon Authentication Papers from The NBTHK of Japan, a Sayagaki by Dr. Sato Kanzan, and a full Koshirae in nice condition with a red saya.  The Ito braid is of beige colored leather. The nagasa or cutting length of this katana is 69.3 centimeters, or 27 inches long, conforming to the Edo Period standard of samurai not carrying swords longer than this.  Therefore, the sword was longer and has been cut down some time ago.  The Nakago of this katana is interesting as well, featuring an 'orikaeshi Mei', one where the Nakago was folded back inwards to preserve a now removed signature.  Which brings me to the Sayagaki by Dr. Kanzan, the former head of the NBTHK.  The Sayagaki states that the sword is a work by AOE Yoshitsugu or 'Ko' Yoshitsugu, but this is not confirmed by the NBTHK Paper which only states 'AOE School'.  This would indicate that the sword is Nambokucho Period and not a work by an earlier AOE Master as the Sayagaki states.  It is not unusual to see Dr. Kanzan's appraisals disagreed with by current NBTHK thinking.  Presumably, the signature on the Nakago said 'Yoshitsugu' and had to be removed before it could pass Shinsa.  The Nakago has three holes, one plugged with what appears to be gold.  Their are many fine hataraki in the Jie of this blade but they require just the right lighting to appreciate.  Whatever the attribution of this blade, there is no doubting its quality.  It has no fatal flaws whatsoever and I characterize the polish as being in very good/excellent condition, there are few small 'oil spots' on the Shinogi Ji that did not photograph well however - I can provide those upon request.  It has been well oiled by me over the last 12 years of so that I have owned it.  Please ask any questions.  Sword Width at the Hamachi: 2.94 CM or 1.15 InchesSori or sword curvature: 1.3 CM or .51 Inches