#36 Nakajima Rai Kuninaga Daito, 69cm

This sword is an osuriage mumei of 69cm with a double groove on each side and goes down right through the nakago. This suggests that the sword was once much longer. It is written that the older or first generation was active about 1326 and the son of Rai Kunisue. He was a deshi( student) of Rai Kunitoshi. The second generation was active about 1356 and both their works are very similar. The first genration moved his family from Kyoto to Settsu and an area called Nakajima. The swords that are thought to be from these smiths are called Nakajima Rai.

This sword has a an Osaka certificate dated June 18th 2008 which appraised the sword as Rai Kuninaga. It also has an NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certificate dated Aug 22 2009 which appraised the sword as Nakajima Rai. Both are the same appraisal. This sword is in a wide suguba with many fine activity done in a nioi and nie mix. The hada is very pronounced with chikei and rai jigane present. The hada in the yakiba stands out very well so you can follow it from the shnogi to the ha saki. The boshi is ko maru at the tip and stands out wonderfully. The nakago is well cut and has a patina that is probably from the Koto era. Blade is in new polish and very good condition.

The sword comes with Higo mounts that are very nice. The fuchi kashira are very good Higo pieces of a leaf and scrolling vines. The menuki are tadpoles and seaweed. The higo tsiba is iron with wisteria design. There is an umabari ana and on the left side of the tsuba. The saya is a black lacquer over a string making small ribs. The Higo kojiri is iron with gold nunome flowers. The same' is very good and old covered with a brown leather wrap.  The saya has a umabari slot but is missing the umabari. The sageo is a nice leather one. There is an old shirasaya with sayagaki and the mounts have a tsunagi ( wood blade insert).

Overall this is a very exceptional collectible sword that can be enjoyed forever and a good Rai example that will not be found in many collections.

Price: $18,000

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NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate

Osaka certificate