In the 8th month, the 3rd year of Manji (1660)
Length of cutting edge71.2cm Curvature1.3cm Width of base33.7mm Width of Yokote21.3mm Thickness of base7.6mm
Kitae(forging pattern) : Kitae-hada is vividly fine Itame-hada (small wooden grain) of which Hiraji surface is covered in sparkling Ji-nie that generates darkish precise Nie dots so called CHIKEI activity.
Hamon(tempering pattern) : Hamon forms straight, wide Suguha with indication of wavy (Notare) and of fray (Hotsure), Vividly bright Nie glitter attaches softly along temper like virgin snow. In the interior of temper, filled with deep Nioi-mist from clear white to darkish blue gradationally toward the cutting edge. There are abundant activity of Nie such as floating YOU dots, Ginsuji Nie-lines. There are some Mune-yaki (temper on back ridge).The entire temper is vividly clear, full of bright Nie and Nioi activity.
Boshi (tip): The temper of tip forms straight regular line, medium circle deeply turns back that connects to Muneyaki temper along back ridge.
Nakago(tang) : Original UBU with one mekugi-ana retaining hole. Osujikai (slanting leftward) file marks. Kengyo (V-shape) heel. The signature in front is long character that starts from the place of work 《Bichu-koku Azae-ju》 and family name 《Kawano》, given name 《Ribei-no-jo》 and smith name 《TAMEIE》. The reversed side is chiselled the date of year 《In the 8th month, the 3rd eyar of Manji》 (1660).
Bichu-province during the Warning States period, there was great demand from the powerful clans sich as Mimura, Mouri, Ukita.
The descendants of ancient AOE swordsmiths had revived in Mizuta village, Agagun (now in Maniwa city, Okayama pref.) during the middle of Muromachi period to prosper by middle of Edo.
There were two major schools in Bichu province, one is KUNISHIGE family and the other is TAMEIE who established his atelier in Azae village where was located next to Mizuta so called Azae Mizuta school.
The subject sword was made by the first smith (Shinto) TAMEIE, who is to say, the younger brother of Oyogo KUNISHIGE. From the date of year the 3rd eyar of Manji (1660), it is understood that this sword was made in his middle-later age. It is one of the specific character that the bottom shape of hilt becomes V-shape for TAMEIE lineage, whereas Single-bevelled (Katayama) for KUNISHIGE.
This katana seems being treasured by generations - quite heavy on hands holding an extremely wide width on base and massive volume is very impressive. It is marvelous that this katana still remains an almost original condition over 350 years to say mint - excellent condition. The date of year The 3rd year of Manji (1660) adds a historical value as well.
Silver single layer habaki collar, preserved in a Shira-Saya plain wood mounting.
