A13103(S834)
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Katana Gakumei signed KANEMOTO with) Black Ro-iro lacquered scabbard Tensho Uchi-katana koshirae

Koto end of Muromachi period (Tenbun era circa 1532-) Mino
Length of cutting edge 68.4cm Curvature 1.5cm Width of base 31.5mm Width of Yokote 26.1mm Thickness of base 6.2mm

NBTHK(Hozon) certificate

with) Black Ro-iro lacquered scabbard Tensho Uchi-katana koshirae

NBTHK(Hozon) certificate for Tsuba




Blade construction: Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune Katana. Wide in Mihaba, holding shallow curve. There is less degree of tapering from base to upper Monouchi area that leads to extended large Kissaki. (click HERE for higher resolution image of the entire blade)
Forging(Hada): Forging mark is conspicuous wooden grains mark of Itame-hada and streaming ware of Masame. The weaved scene of refined steel and flexible iron generates darkish line of Nie so called "CHIKEI" clearly against the mottled sparkling Ji-nie glitter so called "Shirake-Utsuri" reflection.
Temper(Hamon): Hamon is a bit on stronger side fine Nioi-base, tight crystallized quench line of 3 round head Gunome aligned regularly so called "Sanbon-sugi" hamon.The interior is filled with mist-like crystallize area that contains thick deal of feet "Ashi" which is almost thrust out from cutting edge.
Temper of tip(Boshi): Temper of boshi is undulating Notare then forms side view of Jizou stone stature turns back in a good manner.
Tang(Nakago): Nakago is Ō-suriage substantially shortened,"Gakumei" 額銘 signed KANEMOTO 兼元. The heel of Nakago forms Horizontal Kiri on bottom. Three Mekugiana peg holes. Crossing "Higaki" filemarks on the original area whereas Sugiage secondary shortened area forms horizontal Kiri.

The famed maker 2nd generation of KANEMOTO 兼元 known under the pseudonym of "Makoroku" 孫六, is one of the most distinguished makers who ranks with KANESADA 兼定 as a star sword smith who was an extraordinarily skillful maker with top ranking of the most supreme sharp cutting performance among all "Saijo O-waza-mono" and has been highly praised, named for"Makoroku" 孫六　by his nickname.
The KANEMOTO 兼元 and other two makers of MASAMUNE 正宗 and MURAMASA 村正 all have been familiar with many anecdotes about Japanese swords history.
The founder KANEMOTO 兼元 had appeared circa Bunmei-Eisho (1469-1520) era and it seldom found the typical temper line of "Sanbon-sugi" hamon with his works. It is understood that "Sanbon-sugi" hamon was created and nearly completed by the 2nd generation so called "Makoroku" 孫六 in his later age.

The famed smith "Makoroku" KANEMOTO 兼元 was aggressively active during circa Daiei-Kyoroku era (1521-31) and supposed his activity 30 - 40 years till end of Tenbun era (-1554).
The inscription of "Makoroku" KANEMOTO 兼元 forms large, broad-minded with dignified manner. The famed commander of Samurais in the Warning States period such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi 豊臣秀吉, Fukushima Masanori 福島正則, Yamanouchi Kazutoyo　山之内一豊, Aoki Kazushige 青木一重 or Maeda Toshiie 前田利家 were eager to own "Makotoku" KANEMOTO to survive the never-ending strives.

This Katana is estimated to be the work of Kanemoto 兼元 who was the most able disciple of "Makoroku" 孫六 from the late Tenbun to Eiroku era (1532-1569). During the Warring States period, this magnificent and robust Katana, favored by high-ranking Samurai who valued the most practicality,
Original length of it's cutting edge measured on about 2 shaku,4 sun and 5 bu (approx.74.5cm) with swelling upper Monouchi area leading to an extraordinary large tip of Ō-kissak. The blade is sturdy build, achieved by shaving off excess volume from Shinogi-ridge toward the back ridge to improve blade agility as well as to perform the most supreme sharp cutting ability.
While the substantial shortened process on about 2 sun (6cm) of the cutting edge, the Samurai owner was unwilling the signature had gone to waste and wished to remain the honored inscription of 2-character KANEMOTO 兼元 therefore it was carefully removed and framed to be welded left onto the upper of the tang to say "Gakumei" 額銘.
Clear traces of Takanoha V-shaped file marks are left on lower the tang. The remaining two character KANEMOTO 兼元 bears the distinctive signature of Kanemoto's Magoroku 兼元孫六 lineage.
This exceptional blade, equipped by Samurai who bravely battled for a victory during the late Warring States period and then has been treasured and preserved in excellent condition for over five hundred years.

with) Black Ro-iro lacquered acabbard Tensho-style Uchikatana Koshirae consists of : (click HERE for entire Koshirae and HERE for each fitting)
  • Fuchi/Kashira : Fuchi-Shakudo copper alloy polished surface, Kashira-Buffalo horn
  • Kougai : Orange motif, Shakudo Nanako-ji ground, Gold inlay, Takabori, unsigned
  • Tsuba : Chrysanthemum design, Round shape, Iron ground, Openwork, Dote-mimi edge, God/silver,copper inlay Both Hitsuana punches, unsigned attributed to Kyo Shoami (NBTHK Hozon) certificate
  • Menuki : Poppy design, Shakudo ground, Katabori carving, Gold Iroe
  • Tsuka : Black lacquered layskin,indigo blue silk cord Morotsumami-style lozenge wrap
Yamagane copper ground Habaki collar. Preserved in a plain wood mounting of Shirasaya.
reference data :
Sugiura Yoshiyuki Mino-toko Meikan Ribun shuppan 2008
Suzuki Takuo/Sugiura Yoshiyuki Muromachi-ki Mino-to no kenkyu Ribun sguppan 2006