This katana is inspired upon designs of the Edo period. “ Chisuji ” means lineage, and this elegant weapon radiates just that, a katana that brings back the style of the days of yore. The complex koshirae is a blend of blue and green colors in which different tones merge together to give the impression of the sea on a stormy night. The tsukamaki is braided with greenish blue ito made of Japanese cotton. The design is inspired upon three classic Edo-period styles: Tsumami-Katate and Shonai Zuka Maki, which, combined, reveal the amount of work which the koshirae-shi requires. The handsome dragon-shaped Mekugi seem to fly between the braids of the tsuka as if they were to reach the beautiful dragon, of historical design and mokko shape, carved on the iron tsuba.

The fuchi, kashira and kukirata are made of matching aged copper, intricately detailed, forming carved spirals. The brass habaki, hand-carved by our craftsmen, seems to have been marred by the claws of the dragon which the tsuba conceals, with a diamond pattern, horizontally toned down in the last quarter. The saya is built out of prime oak, covered in rattan which is lacquered black along the first third of its length. The remainder of the saya is lacquered green, with rain that grows lighter towards the rounded kojiri. The thick, fibre sageo is black with white spots, like a dark, starry sky above the troubled ocean.

The blade, of course, is up to the standards of this splendid piece. It is forged out of different carbon steels, and folded seven times. The beautiful visible hada, which results from this method of forging, runs along the entire blade, which has been polished according to traditional methods, and whose finish makes it suitable for tameshigiri.

As it lacks a bohi, the slightly forward point of balance makes it a splendid cutter, but we must remember that every weapon is to be treated with respect.

This is definitely an excellent piece of most particular design, bearing the seal of TENGU.

Katana characteristics*.