A ‘Ju Ni Gatsu’ Kiyomitsu Katana (播磨大掾清光)

Harima no Daijo Kiyomitsu crafted this elegant katana in Etchu province on the Sea of Japan coast during the distinctive Kanbun era, circa 1661. He is rated Jo-saku – a superior swordsmith – and is known to collectors by the nickname Ju Ni Gatsu, meaning ‘December Kiyomitsu’. This was earned through his unique habit of chiselling the right side of the kanji character for KIYO in a way that forms the characters Ju (10), Ni (two), Gatsu (month) – the 12th month, December. It is a signature unlike any other, a personal mark of pride that identifies his work at a glance.

The blade itself is gracefully curved at 2.0cm – a comfortable, classical geometry – with a well-forged itame hada and a fine gunome midare hamon that reflects in random semi-circular waves the natural rhythms of the coastal environment in which he worked. The boshi is healthy and the overall condition is strong. An ubu nakago of 70.6cm makes this a full-length, well-proportioned blade.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certification accompanies the sword. Currently housed in shirasaya, this is a perfect candidate for a custom koshirae – the blade’s character and the smith’s personality invite it.