Japanese Katana Saber Signed Jyumyo - Early Edo (mid-17th Century).

Japanese Katana sword, the blade mounted in shirasaya - Early Edo (mid-17th century). Straight blade, regular and straight hamon. Braided tsuka, black silk on white shagreen. Menukis depicting golden dragons on each side of the tsuka. Fushi kashira en suite decorated with golden dragons in clouds. Quadrilobed iron tsuba with basketry pattern. Black lacquered saya with relief pattern of braided rope. Silver habaki decorated with geometric patterns. Blade length: 76 cm, signed Jyumyo, school active during the Kanbun era (1661-1673) and mounted in shirasaya. Dimensions: 82 x 8.5 x 7.5 cm An NBTHK Hozon certificate guaranteeing its authenticity is delivered with the sword. Sold with the support and its silk case for transport. Notes: This blade was signed by a member of the Jyumyo school active during the Kanbun era (1661-1673: beginning of the Edo period) in Mino province (today Gifu prefecture). The Jyumyo school has its origins in Yamato (Nara Prefecture) and moved to Mino Province during the Kamakura period (1185-). The tradition continued for centuries until the end of the Edo period. The name of the school, "JYUMYO", means lifespan or angst in Japanese. As its meaning is hopeful, swords forged by members of the Jyumyo school were appreciated and prized as a special gift within samurai society. We believe this blade was originally commissioned by a high-class samurai who lived near the province of Mino. The MINO blacksmiths style, also known as MINO-DEN, basically has the TOGARI (pointed shapes protruding from the Hamon) in a classic straight line and a random temper line with a little white Utsuri. MINO-DEN has its origins in YAMATO-DEN at the end of the KAMAKURA period (1280-1330). It flourished during the MUROMACHI period (1333-1573) and continued until the Edo period. MINO-DEN particularly prospered during Sengoku Jidai (Warring States period) due to the high demand for weapons. And the Mino Province location beat the rest. Akechi Mitsuhide controlled Mino Province, Nobunaga Oda ruled Owari Province, and Tokugawa leyasu was the lord of Suruga (neighboring areas). There was a high demand from these powerful feudal lords and their servants. Additionally, many wars took place between the Kanto region and the Kyoto region. Blades forged in the MINO provinces also had a reputation for their practical design and sharpness. Many feudal lords demanded swords forged in the province of Mino. The tradition of excellent swordsmithing skills was passed down to the Edo period, and Mino no Kami Fujiwara Jyumyo is a good example.