Important Intangible Cultural Property Katana Famous Niwa Kanenobu NBTHK Hozon

Important Intangible Cultural Property Katana Famous Niwa Kanenobu NBTHK Hozon
Made by Kanenobu Tanba of Noshu, mid-spring 1974.

Brilliant  Dragon Carving katana.

Niwa KANENOBU, real name is Niwa Shuuji , was born in April 5, Meiji 36 (1903). At the tender age of 14, He joined to his fathers’ Niwa KANEMASTU (KANENOBU) studio to learn sword making technique and devoted himself pre-post war days in almost 70 years.
He officially licensed as a traditional Japanese sword artist in June 19, Showa 42 (1967) then established his own atelier at Kajita in Gifu.
He performed a brilliant activities to win many prizes not only for making sword but also of great renown as the dense self-carving on the body of blade such as Tamaoi-ryu dragon catching up a gem other than old Kenmaki-ryu dragon , who equals to Gassan 月山. On demand of Atsuta Shrine in Showa 46 (1971), he made a replica of Wakizashi Sword Signed by Yasutsugu and finally he won the honor prize of Gigu Important Intangible Cultural Property in November 8, 1973 (Showa 48).

Blade; Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune, Width of base is wide standing firmly on base and harmonized degree of tapering from base to elongated middle Kissaki.
The shape is created in Osaka-shinto style that was made in Genroku to Houei era.
Carvings (Horimono); Shin no kurikara a dragon winding around the sword  in front and the other side Bonji kuwagata lotus flower pedestals placed beneath images of Budda.
Forging(Hada); Forging pattern is super fine Ko-Itame-hada using superior steel.
The steel gives off sparkling martensite crystals of Ji-Nie against bluish steel of Jigane to generate gleaming lines of Chikei over the Hiraji.
This is a masterpiece sword the carvings are wonderful highest level great in each detail you gonna love this one.
Blade is in perfect condition its make you speechless.

Nagasa     71.9 cm
Sori           2.0cm
Mekugi     hole    1
Era            Showa period  spring 1974
NBTHK   Hozon certificate  worthy of preservation
Country  Japan       Gifu Prefecture