O117703(S2853)
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Katana signed Washu-Tedai-ju KANEKUNI Oite Sunpu Kore-woTsukuru

Shinto Early Edo period (Keicho 15 era/ circa 1610-) Yamato
Length of cutting edge 69.6cm Curvature 1.5cm Width of base 30.6mm Width of Yokote 21.3mm Thickness of base 7.2mm

NBTHK(Tokubetsu Hozon) certificate

Sugata(configuration) : Katana of Shinogi-zukuri with steep slope Iori-mune and high Shinogi-suji ridge configuration. Although the cutting edge was shortened Machi-okuri on about 1-sun and 5-bu (4.5cm) to be at Josun interpretations in 2-shaku 3-sun in a highly harmonious manner, the blade is wide in Mihaba and a bit on shallower side waist point curvature as well as holding rich volume in Hiraniku that leads to an elongated middle tip of Kissaki. This configuration created in heroic style is called Keicho-shinto. (click HERE for higher resolution image)
Kitae(forging pattern) : The excellent choice of fine steel gives off bluish tendency. Kitae is based on fine Ko- Itame hada generally with an indication of flowing straight Masame tendency. Sparkling frosty Ji-nie is distributed over the Hira-ji surface and bluish gleaming lines of Chikei layer wells out from steel in different carbon content.
Hamon(tempering pattern) : Hamon state is fine and uniform dense "Nie-deki" that is rather on stronger side, Suguha with shallow undulating Notare, combined with small Gunome where small feet of Ashi radiates on cutting edge frequently. Boundary line consists of Hotsure flay or Niju-ha double lines. Upper the blade it becomes lively stronger the Nie and deeper the Nioi where gives off the most brilliance.
Boshi (tip): Wide in temper to form Sugu-ha along cutting edge medium circle ends almost no-return called Yakizume.
Nakago(tang) : There is a slight warp and it's cutting edge is Machi-okuri shortened on about 1-sun and 5-bu (approx.4.5cm) and horizontal heel is slightly pinched off. Two large Mekugi-ana retaining holes (upper is an original hole). "Ō-sujikai" greatly slanting left filemarks and rich contoured back ridge with "Katte-sagari" slight slanting left filemarks. The entire Nakago preserves good taste of patina in 400 years even more. The large chiseled long character inscription that starts from the place of birth Washu Tegai-ju 和州手掻住, smith name KANEKUNI 包國 then the place of work Oite Sunpu kore-wo Tsukuru 於駿府造之.

Blacksmith Washu-Tedai-ju KANEKUNI 和州手掻住包國 ranks as Jōsaku "Superior Made", was born in Tegai, Yamato province, real name is Monju Kurou Saburou 文殊九郎三郎. He reportedly said an elder brother of Nanki SHIGEKUNI 南紀重國.
KANEKUNI 包國 and SHIGEKUINI 重國 brothers moved to Sunpu, now in Shizuoka to accept an invitation from the retired Shogun Ieyasu on about Keicho 15 (1610) and both of them worked together with smith YASUTSUGU 1st 康継初代 exclusively for Tokugawa-shoguns.
KANEKUNI 包國 mostly observed a traditional manner of former YAMATO school practice and highly celebrated in the Keicho era. Many swords were made bravely longer than the others, consequently being shortened by aged to come in times of peace like this example or substantially shorted Ō-suriage to result in unsigned.
In view of this Katana, boundary line Hamon follows precedent Yamato tradition noticeably to remind one of the Tegai works from Kamakura era.
This Katana is massively heavy on hands in quite healthy excellent condition that stands high in Tokugawa Ieyasu master's favor.
This is one of the extraordinary swords in full inscription signature.
Gold foiled Habaki collar, preserved in Shira-saya plain wood mount
reference data :
HONMA Junji, SATO Kan'ichi, Nihonto Taikan Shintouhen vol. 1, Otsuka Kougei sha, 1966
HNMA KUNZAN, Nihonto Meikan, Yuzankaku, 1975