Seki-shū Naotsuna JUYO (fss-986)
This Jūyō-designated katana (68.5 cm) is attributed to Seki-shū Naotsuna, a highly regarded smith of the Kenmu era (1334–1338), traditionally counted among the Masamune Juttetsu. He is often known as a student of Masamune, though some scholars debate whether he was a direct or primary disciple. Nevertheless, Naotsuna’s work unmistakably reflects the Sōshū tradition, linking him to this influential lineage both stylistically and historically.
The blade, in o-suriage form, reflects its age and continued reverence. Its jigane features a refined itame-hada with prominent chikei, while the hamon is a bold gunome-midare, filled with nie, sunagashi, and kinsuji—hallmarks of masterful Sōshū work. The blade’s power and grace embody Naotsuna’s skill.
In excellent polish, it is accompanied by a solid shirasaya and a gold foil habaki. Crucially, the shirasaya bears a 1971 sayagaki by Hon’ami Nisshū, a respected appraiser in the esteemed Hon’ami lineage. This sayagaki provides not only expert authentication but also historical context, enhancing the blade’s provenance.
With its Jūyō Tōken designation by the NBTHK, the combination of historical pedigree, refined craftsmanship, and authoritative appraisal makes this sword an exceptionally rare and valuable piece of history.
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“This certificate attests that the blade—an unsigned katana attributed to Den Seki-shū Naotsuna, 68.6 cm in length—was designated as Jūyō Tōken (Important Sword) at the 24th Shōwa 46 (1971) designation. Issued by the NBTHK, it confirms the sword’s cultural significance. Dated February 19, Reiwa 2 (2020).”
“SAYAGAKI TRANSLATION”
重要刀剣
石州直綱
磨上無銘也 時代建武之頃 長サ貮尺弐寸六分余有之 昭和辛亥歳仲秋誌之 本阿彌日洲「花押」
Jūyō-tōken
Sekishū Naotsuna
Suriage mumei nari
Jidai Kenmu no goro
Nagasa 2 shaku 2 sun 6 bu yo kore ari
Shōwa kanoto-inoshishidoshi chūshū kore o shirusu Hon’ami Nisshū + kaō
Designated as jūyo-tōken Sekishū Naotsuna
Suriage and mumei.
Dates around Kenmu (1334-1338) Blade length ~ 68.5 cm
Written by Hon’ami Nisshū in the middle of fall of the year of the boar of the Shōwa era (1971) + kaō T
his Jūyō-designated katana (68.5 cm) is attributed to the renowned smith Seki-shū Naotsuna. It is accompanied by a sayagaki written by Hon’ami Nisshū, a respected member of the famed Hon’ami appraisal lineage. Inscribed in the fall of 1971, Nisshū’s sayagaki authenticates and contextualizes this sword, connecting it directly to an expert appraisal of its historical significance.
Please email us if you are interested in this item, and be sure to include the order number: FSS-986.
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