Katana Shimotsuki (1060 Carbon Steel)

In the traditional Japanese calendar, November was not simply called November: it was called shimotsuki, “the frost moon,” because it was the month when the first frost appeared on the fields. The Katana Shimotsuki draws its character from that suspended moment between late autumn and winter.

The 1060 carbon steel blade (nagasa approximately 70 cm, hardness 58–60 HRC) is hand-polished to display an almost opalescent surface, reminiscent of the frost coating that covers dry grass. The sori curve is restrained, classical of the Yamato-school katana.

The fittings reflect the late-autumn palette: pearl-white ito braided over samegawa, a patinated iron tsuba with a motif of fallen leaves lightly dusted with frost, a pearl-gray lacquered saya with a powder-pink sageo, and a matte silver habaki. A color scheme that evokes cold air rather than the violence of cold.

Worth considering for collectors decorating with Scandinavian or Nordic aesthetics, minimalist spaces with neutral palettes, or display cases for collectors drawn to wabi-sabi aesthetics. Works particularly well when displayed in rooms with north-facing natural light, where the lacquer color shows at its best.