Blade construction: Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune. Primarily nearly 2-shaku 9-sun (88cm) long in cutting edge, extra long
katana which has been substantially shortened Suriage at the Josun interpretation in a highly harmonious manner during early Edo period and
the original inscription of Mei was fold up to the other side. Wide in Mihaba, impressively high in Shinogi ridge. There is very less degree of tapering from base to pronounced Fukura swelling in full, holding less curvature, leading to an extended Ō-kissaki.(click HERE for higher resolution image of the entire blade)
Forging(Hada): Forging is well-forged Itame-hada mixing with partial Mokume indication and streaming Masame-hada appears along quenching boundary line. Hiraji is covered with sparkling hard metal granules of Ji-nie. Darkish thick Nie lines of Chikei activity appears.
Temper(Hamon): Hamon is rather on stronger side Nie hard metal granules base, Big surge Notare with mixing in of small Gunome. Fine sparkling granules of Nie accumulate deeply on the sole of surge. Some indication of Niju-ha in state of piles or Hotsure frayed appear along hardening boundary line. The interior of temper is
filled in of bright Nie granules and deep Noi mist. Entire Hamon state in this Katana reveals superior fine state of steel quenching and
full of refreshing atmosphere.
Temper of tip(Boshi): Boshi forms Notare wave with an indication of side view of Jizou stature then medium circle turn back.
Tang(Nakago): Nakago is in Suriage status. Inscription of Noshu-Seki-ju KANEUJI 濃州関住兼氏 was folded up Orikaeshi on the other Hakiura side. Two Mekugi-ana punches.
In the dawn of the Mino tradition, the famed sword smith founder KANEUJI who belonged to Tegai
tradition in Yamato moved to Shizu village in Mino from end Kamaura through
Nanbokucho (1333-92) period. KANEUJI 3rd had moved to Naoe village in Ouei
(1394-) Muromachi period and followers worked in Akasaka village. On the
latter half of Muromachi period native makers were resettled out of such
small villages in Seki village of a mecca for sword at that time.
The subject katana was made by KANEUJI 兼氏 who worked in Seki during Tenbun
era (1532-54). This katana was modeled the idiom of the founder KANEUJI
from Nanbokucho style. It shows Mino technique which is well known for
supreme sharpness what is more to add Soushu tradition that heightened
up the morale of troops.
In Edo period while Suriage was processed to the Josun interpretation, an owner begrudged loosing signature and the inscription was retained to maintain it's value and brilliant achievement in war.
This is the flagship of exceedingly splendid katana with an air of militaristic
spirit during the Warning States period in 16 th century.
with) Black Roiro-style lacquered scabbard Uchikatana Koshirae
(click HERE for entire Koshirae and HERE for each fitting)
- Fuchi/Kashira: Dragonfly design, Shakudo Ishime-ji surface Takabori, Iroe inlay unsigned
- Tsuba: Peony/Leo design, Iron ground, Nikubori, Sukashi, Gold inlay, Gold Fukurin rim, signed UMETADA-saku
- Menuki: Amaryu dragon design, Yobori carving gold Iroe plated
- Tsuka: White ray skin, golden brown silk cord lozenge wrap
An aged silk cord wrapp gets frayed over the years. An original copper
Habaki of dragon on cloud design is full of archaic atomosphere, Katana
is preserved in a plain wood mounting Shirasaya.
Recent polish/Condition scale: excellent (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor).
reference data :
Honma Kunzan/Ishii Masakuni, Nihonto Meikan, Yuzankaku, 1975
Suzuki Takuo/Sugiura Yoshiyuki Muromachi-ki Mino-toko-no Kenkyu Ribun shuppan 2006 |