Katana signed Echigo-no-kami KANESADA
Shinto Early Edo Period (Enpo era/about 330 years ago) Settsu
Length of cutting edge71.0cm Curvature1.8cm Width of base31.7mm Thickness of base7.4mm Width of Yokote20.2mm
NBTHK(Tokubetsu Hozon)
Blade construction : Shinogi zukuri Iori-mune, Mihaba on base is wide and has ample thickness. There is gracefully deep curvature of which base stands firmly. There is round-end Bo-hi grooves on both sides. The entire blade have a dignified bearing massive volume, impressively superb condition.
Forging (Hada) : Hada is fine itame mixing in Mokume-hada partially and temper side shows flowing Masame indication, which is precisely forged. Hiraji surface is covered in sparkling thick Ji-nie hard metal granules that reflects sparkling Nie-utsuri mist. The entire forging steel is vividly clear.
Temper line (Hamon) : Hamon is purely Nie-based, Wavy(Notare) in five,of which summits activate with YUBASHIRI (temper marks on surface) like a floating mist hangs on the hills. Up-hill is covered in thicker Nie which is extremely bright like accumulated snow fall. Gunome-feet ASHI appears frequently and is filled in whitish Nioi in the interior of temper. The entire temper gives off vividly bright Nie/Nioi activity.
Tang (Nakago) : Nakago is UBU, unaltered. Osujikai greatly slanting left file marks, there is a little mass on the back ridge, V-shape (Iriyama) heel. One retaining hole. There is long signature that starts with the title [Echigo-no-kami], and smith name [Kanesada]
Temper of tip (Boshi) : Temper line of the tip shows double tempered lines with Hakikake brushing lines indication.
The subject sword is a masterpiece of second generation KANESADA with Echigo-no-kami title, the same smith of Sakakura Gen-no-shin TERUKANE. He belonged to Tegai lineage of Yamato school. He became a pupil of the first generation KANESADA and surpassed the others, to get married with daughter. After 1st gen. KANESADA has passed away, he had succeeded Echigo-no-kami KANESADA smith name(1665-1679) by the time the first son of his master grows-up. Enjoyed Jo-jo-saku (second top rank) award and retired on 1680 then changed his smith name Sakakura Gen-no-shin TERUKANE. Passed away in 1684.
This katana shows an evidence that he was strongly influenced by Tegai school Yamato technique and intended to reproduce the work of KANENAGA (Heritage of Hoshina family/an important cultural property). Owaza-mono (the second-place top rank cutting performance) awarded.
Single layer gold foiled Habaki collar, accompanies Shira-Saya plain wood mounting.
