S36546(S8889)
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Katana signed IPPŌ

Shinto Early Edo period (Kan'ei era / circa 1624-) Ōmi
Length of cutting edge 71.6cm Curvature 1.8cm　Width of base 32.8mm Width of Yokote 20.6mm Thickness of base 8.0mm

reference only

Blade construction: Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune. Wide in Mihaba and thick in Kasane, A bit on deeper side curve in harmonious proportion. There is well-harmonized degree of tapering from base to an extended middle tip so called Chu-Kissaki. The shape is created in a stirring style in early Edo period so called Kan'ei-shinto style.
Forging(Hada): Forging is fine Itame hada with partial Masame-hada that mostly appears on Shinogi-ji with an indication of sparkling Ji-Nie granules attaches on surface and darkish lines in different state of carbonate so called "CHIKEI" wells out.
Temper(Hamon): Hamon in rather on stronger side fine Nie granules, starts with short straight Yakidashi then varies in shape - wide, large and tall - different shape of Gunome, Tassel of Choji or box shape where some of quenching splashes into Hiraji-surface "Tobiyaki". Angled thick lines of Gunome-ashi and quenching activities of short lines "Sunagashi" or long lines of "Kinsen" appear along quenching boundary area that gives off vividly bright light. Upper the blade, higher the Hamon that almost reaches to Shinogi-suji, stronger the Nie and more flamboyant in shape of big surges "Toran-ha".
Temper of tip(Boshi): Temper of Boshi forms calms below Yokote then straight in medium circle turns back.
Tang(Nakago): The Nakago is UBU original. "Kurijiri" round heel. One Mekugina punch. Yasurime is greatly slanting left "Ō-sujikai". The inscription signature on front is in two large character IPPŌ 一峯 appears a bit on Shinogi-ji side below Mekugi-ana.

The first-generation IPPŌ 一峯 created magnificent swords in his lifetime. Like this example, some of his pieces exhibit a luxurious Hamon pattern featuring a combination of Nie with a large Gunome, while others are characterized by a Choji-midare pattern. The former appears to be more common.
This particular sword is exceptionally robust, with a massive volume of Hiraniku and an impressive weight on both hands, giving it a powerful and healthy appearance that is highly praised.

The sword's fittings of copper Habaki features the "Kuyo Tomoe 九曜巴" crest on the front and the "Goryu Kumai-sasa 五瓜に九枚笹" crest on the back. The "Kuyo Tomoe," also known as the "Itakura Tomoe 板倉巴" is the family crest of the Itakura clan 板倉氏, who served as the Kyoto Shoshidai (Governor of Kyoto) and the lords of Iyo Matsuyama. It is said that the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi 宮本武蔵 also used this "Kuyo Tomoe 九曜巴" crest.

In the late Muromachi period, the Ishido swordsmiths, originating from SUKENAGA 助長, a descendant of the Ichimonji SUKEMUNE 助宗 lineage, are said to live about 300 meters south of Ishidō-ji Temple, Gamo in Ōmi province. The Ishidō school rose in Ōmi and prospered during the Edo period, with branches spreading to major castle town of Kii, Osaka, Chikuzen and Edo.

The IPPŌ 一峯 who belonged Ōmi Ishidō school are recognized the first and second generation. The 1st IPPŌ 一峯 activated around the Kan'ei era (1624-), lived in Ishidō, Ōmi domain, while the 2nd generation, known by the common name "Sasaki Zenshiro 佐々木善四郎" lived in Takagi (present Takagi town, Eigen-ji, Kanzaki-gun) and later moved to Akasaka, Edo (present Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo).
The signature of the first generation was inscribed in a clerical script style, with the two-character name "IPPŌ 一峯" with the final stroke of "Mine 峯" extended downward. The 2nd generation inscribed his common name along with the signature, such as "Sasaki Zenshiro Minamoto no IPPŌ 佐々木善四郎源一峯" and there are some examples with the additional inscription "Made of Namban imported steel 以南蛮鉄造之."

The ruins of Ōmi swordsmiths can be found offshore from the Nagahama Biwako Daibutsu, where the ruins of the Shimosaka 下坂 swordsmiths' workshop were located where produced the 1st Yasutsugu 康継. In Nakasone town, a well associated with Kotetsu 虎徹 is enshrined. From Takagi Village, the hometown of Takagi Sadamune 高木貞宗, Ōmi no Kami Sukenao 近江守助直 emerged. About 5 kilometers west of Nakasone Town, in the current Sukoshi town, is the birthplace of Gassan Sadakazu 月山貞一. The land of Ōmi province has produced many master craftsmen.
reference data :
Okada Takao, Ōmi Toko-no-Iseki, Shigaken Bunkazai Hogo Kyokai