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F2339(S1495)
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Katana unsigned attributed to a work of Naoe-Shizu

Koto Nanbokucho period (Ouan era/circa 1368) Mino
Length of cutting edge 63.7cm Curvature 1.5cm Width of base 30.0mm Width of Yokote 22.6mm Thickness of base6.4mm

NBTHK(Tokubetsu Hozon) certificate

Hon'ami Kōson Origami certificate


Blade construction: Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune, average in Mihaba and a bit on thinner side in Kasane, substantially shortened "Ō-suriage". There is less degree of tapering from base to the large tip of Kissaki and wide ratio of Hira-ji to Shinogi-ji, holding a bit on massive volume of Hiraniku, Those are the major trends in the prime of Nanbokucho period. There are parallel grooves of Bo-hi which is chiselled away to Nakago on front wherreas the reversed side does in half way. (click HERE for higher resolution image of the entire blade).
Forging(Hada): Forging is Itame-hada with streaming Masame indication along quenching Hamon area. Crystallized granule of Ji-nie appears on surface that emits sparkling reflection of Utsuri on Hiraji. Darkish thick lines of Nie so called "CHIKEI" activity appears from fine steel.
Temper(Hamon): Hamon is based on "Nie" hard steel crystallized, Notare undulating wave mixed with large Gunome boundary line. The quenching activities such as double temper of "Niju-ha" and "Hotsure" or "Yubashiri" appear here and there. In the interior there appears "Sunagashi" long lines of Nie, "Kinsuji" or "Inazuma" thick curved lines run along quenching boundary area.
Temper of tip(Boshi): Temper of boshi forms wide, powerful undulating irregular lines with the indication of Yakizume-end.
Tang(Nakago): The tang is substantially shortened "Ō-suriage" to be unsigned with horizontal (Kiri) filemarks. Horizontal "Kiri" heel shape. Three Mekugi-ana punches.

Here is an splendidly heroic katana of Naoe-shizu school from Nanbokucho period 14th C.
The disciples of Shizu Saburō Kaneuji 志津三郎兼氏, notable smiths such as Kanetomo 兼友, Kanetugu 兼次, Kanenobu 兼信 or Kanenobu 兼延, who were active in the Naoe region (present Naoeyamadori, Yourō-chō, Yourō-gun, Gifu Prefecture). Due to their prominence in this area, their school came to be known as "Naoe Shizu."

During the Nanboku-chō period, this school perfected the so-called "Mino-den" by incorporating elements of the Yamato-den and Soushu-den traditions. The major character of those swords produced were long with shallow curvature, featuring bold, high-quality workmanship. Their Hamon was characterized by wide midare patterns with a Nie-rich structure, often incorporating Gunome and pointed elements, demonstrating a powerful and spirited style.

This majestic katana's imposing Ō-kissaki (large tip) evokes the grand and majestic forms of Nanbokucho period. Despite being substantially shortened Ō-suriage, it retains the dignified and commanding presence characteristic of the peak Nanboku-cho period. The forging displays a refined itame-hada with thick Ji-nie densely covering the surface, creating a highly elegant interplay of Chikei running freely throughout.
The high Yakiba hamon features a mix of Notare and Gunome, with large Gunome-midare varies in shape and height, interspersed with Tobiyaki elements that add further complexity. The Hamon is richly covered in thick Nie, with frequent Kinsuji and Sunagashi forming within the hardening area, while the Nioi-guchi remains particularly bright and clear, exuding a strong and vibrant presence. This katana presents as a prime example of the distinctive style of the Naoe Shizu school. It is accompanied by a certificate (Origami) from Hon'ami Kōson, indicating that it has been carefully preserved for generations.
Comes with a gold-ground double-layer Habaki and preserved in a Shirasaya.
(note) In the Muromachi period, the later generations of the Naoe Shizu school experienced a decline due to decreased demand following the unification of the Northern and Southern Courts, as well as repeated river floods. Consequently, they migrated to areas such as Seki and Akasaka. Around the Meiou era (1492-), Kanenobu 兼延 settled in Oyama and later moved to Shiga in Owari (present-day Kinjo-cho, Kita-ku, Nagoya), where the school became known as "Shiga-Seki" 志賀関