Sugata(configuration) : Shinogi-zukuri(longitudinal ridge), Mitsumune(tri-bevelled
back), Mihaba is in average and less curvature leading to chu-kissaki(medium
point).
Kitae(forging pattern) : Kitae is a combination of conspicuous itame(wooden
grain) with matsukawa-like hada(pine-bark texture), with thick Jinie(hard
metal granules over the surface of blade) and Chikei(short lines of nie
activity).
Hamon(tempering pattern) : Combination of gentle notare-ha(undulations)
mixing in with Gunome. The habuchi is covered in thick Nie and deep Nioi-kuchi.
The interior of temper is active with Ashi, YOU, bright curved Kinsuji
threadlike area and Sunagashi lines of Nie, vivid and bright.
Nakago(tang) : UBU(unaltered), Machiokuri(tempered edge shortened) with
Osujikai yasurime file marks in Hakiomote and the Ura is Gyaku-osujikai(diagonal
file marks descending to the left). Back of the tang has Higaki(crossing
file marks). Two mekugi-ana(one is filled). The signature in Hakiomote
is carved with two characters that reads HAN-KEI. The entire shape of tang
is unique that has never been seem from the other works.
Boshi(tip) : Midarekomi with brushed tip (hakikae). Deep turn back.
Ono Hankei was born in Mikawa province and had served for Tokugawa Ieyasu
and Hidetada shoguns as a matchlock smith. He changed his smith name to
Hankei from Kiyotaka in the first year of Kanei(A.D.1624) and made swords
in Suruga province and Teppo-cho in Edo province. He was strongly influenced
with the works of Norishige during Kamakura period. This is a work of Hankei
during his middle age of activity from it's sign's character and listed
on the book of SHINTO-TAIKAN. The entire Jigane is combination of conspicuous
Itame-hada and Matsukawa-like hada covered in thick Ji-nie and temering
is splendidly active with frequent and rich nie, grand sight. This katana
is surely one of his best Soshuden works and overflowing with an ambitious
spirit.
Gold double foiled habaki collar, Shirasya plain wood scabbard with inscription of Honma Kunzan.
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