Japanese Sword, Katana, NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Papers, Kikuhira

Description

Up for sale is a Kikuhira katana.  He was active during the Jokyo era (1684-1688).  Fujishiro ranking Chu Saku, Toko Taikan ranking 2.5 Million yen, and Hawley ranking 25 points.  Includes NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers.
The tachi-mei:  Dai Hokkyo Iga no Kami Nyudo Minamoto Kikuhira.  This is Kikuhira's long mei and includes the kiku-mon.
Tanobe Michihiro Saya-gaki:  "Hizen kuni Iga no Kami Minamoto Kikuhira.  11 kanji mei plus kiku-mon with Kaga style nakago-jiri.  It is said that he moved from Kaga to Hizen during the Kanbun era.  This blade has big midare pattern hamon showing his wide range and the high quality of his skills clearly."
Kikuhira was originally from Kaga and moved to Hizen during the Kanbun era.  He held the Buddhist priest rank of hokkyo.  He was killed by the 4th generation Hizen Tadayoshi.  It seems Kikuhira had an affair with the yondai Tadayoshi's wife.  When news of the affair surfaced, Tadayoshi killed both his wife and Kikuhira and then remarried, which accounts for the relative scarcity of Kikuhira's blades.
The blade is jo-sun length at just over 69cm, in full polish, with crisp geometry.  Includes a gold foil habaki, deluxe shirasaya with Tanobe's saya-gaki, and NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers.
This is a beautiful, unique blade that ticks a lot of boxes.  Overall a great old sword, with Tokubetsu Hozon papers from the NBTHK and a Saya-Gaki by Tanobe Michihiro attesting to its quality.
Price includes shipping and insurance.  I ship only to US addresses.  PayPal accepted for payment.  Thanks for looking.