Description
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
Comes with kimono or cotton bag. Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto. Comes with original prefecture certificate.
Antique Japanese Sword – Katana signed “Nagamitsu saku” (長光作)
Registration Number: Tokyo No. 250296
Era: Heisei (20th century)
Type: Katana
Length: 68.1 cm
Curvature (Sori): 1.6 cm
Registration Date: July 28th, 1989
Prefecture: Tokyo
Translation of the Torokusho (Japanese Sword Registration Certificate)
Registration number: Tokyo No. 250296
Category: Katana (刀)
Signature (Mei): 長光作 (Nagamitsu saku)
Blade length: 68.1 cm
Curvature: 1.6 cm
Date of registration: July 28th, 1989 (Heisei 1)
Issued by: Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education
Professional Description
This elegant katana signed “Nagamitsu saku” (長光作) is a fine representative of late 20th-century Japanese swordsmithing, forged in the traditional manner yet preserving the aesthetic and spiritual essence of classical Nihontō.
The blade (ha) exhibits a clearly visible gunome-chōji midare hamon, a rhythmical undulating temper line that demonstrates precise temperature control and a refined quenching technique. The transition between hardened edge and body is smooth, displaying the meticulous work of a skilled modern smith.
The hada (grain) is a tight and consistent itame, revealing a refined forging structure with delicate ji-nie activity visible under proper light. The surface polish is modern, conservative, and highlights the natural beauty of the steel rather than exaggerating contrast — a mark of experienced craftsmanship.
The nakago (tang) retains an even, natural patina, untouched and authentic. The signature 長光作 (“Nagamitsu made this”) is confidently carved, with proper balance and stroke depth, characteristic of genuine manual inscription. A single mekugi-ana (peg hole) is neatly drilled and proportioned.
The mountings (koshirae) are of traditional and refined taste, assembled with care and coherence:
Tsuka (hilt): White samegawa (ray skin) of large nodes, tightly wrapped with dark-green tsuka-ito in traditional hineri-maki style, displaying excellent tension and alignment.
Menuki: Dark metal ornaments with vegetal motifs, discreetly positioned between the folds of the wrap.
Fuchi-kashira: Iron fittings delicately engraved with leaf patterns, showing fine hand-chasing work.
Tsuba: Plain iron guard (mokko-gata form), minimalistic, emphasizing practicality and composure.
Saya (scabbard): Deep black lacquer (kuro roiro-nuri), mirror finish, with matching black sageo cord — sober, elegant, and dignified.
Technical Data Sheet
Specification Detail
Signature (Mei) 長光作 – Nagamitsu saku
Registration No. Tokyo No. 250296
Blade Length (Nagasa) 68.1 cm
Curvature (Sori) 1.6 cm
Type Katana
Hamon Gunome-chōji midare
Hada Itame
Mounting (Koshirae) Complete
Saya Glossy black lacquer (kuro roiro-nuri)
Tsuka White samegawa with dark-green tsuka-ito
Tsuba Iron, plain circular form
Fuchi/Kashira Iron with leaf motifs
Menuki Vegetal motif
Period Edo Period
Registration Authority Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Summary
A refined modern katana in full mount, signed “Nagamitsu saku”, distinguished by its clear gunome-chōji temper pattern, elegant black lacquered saya, and tightly wrapped hilt.
