A rare Sekishu Juyo katana is to feature as the highest valued lot in Bonhams' forthcoming Arts of the Samurai sale on October 16 in New York.
 Naotsuna is believed to have been one 10 great students of Masamune |
The sword was made by Sekishu Naotsuna, a respected swordsmith from Iwami Province on Honshu, circa the 14th century. Naotsuna is considered to have been one of the 10 great students of Masamune, who is widely recognised as Japan's finest swordsmith and has achieved almost legendary status in the country.
An expertly crafted piece, the katana is broad, wide and weighty. With a finely forged body, it shares all of the characteristics typically seen in the work of Naotsuna. It is expected to sell for $125,000-150,000, complete with a certificate designating the sword as the 45th Juyo Token (Precious Sword) no. 10595, issued by The Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword.
Collectors will be able to recreate the full samurai look with several full suits of traditional armour offered in the sale. The highest estimate among them comes from a spectacular Muromachi period (18th century) suit, its horned helmet made by Yoshisada in the 16th century. A formidable piece, it has been given an estimate of $25,000-35,000.
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