Y1301(S1525)
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Katana signed Echigo-no-kami KANESADA

Shinto early Edo period (Kanbun era / circa1664-) Settsu
Length of cutting edge 66.7cm Curvature 1.3cm Width of base 30.7mm Width of Yokote 20.0mm Thickness of base 7.6mm

NBTHK(Tokubetsu Hozon) certificate

Blade construction: Shinogi-zukuri, with a high Iori-mune and high Shinogi ridge, the volume shaved toward the back ridge of Mune. The base of the blade is broad, with a shallow curve, tapering noticeably toward the tip and ending in a medium-sized Kissaki. This represents the so-called the typical style that spread during the Kanbun era. (Enlarged photograph of the blade)
Forging (Kitae-hada): Itame-hada stands out prominently with a strong forging, with fine Ji-nie throughout and darkish Itame lines of Chikei appears. The Shinogi-ji forms Masame-hada.
Hamon: The temper, forged in strong Nie-deki, begins with a long Yakidashi on the base, forming Gunome interspersed with clusters of Choji in Juka-choji style, occasionally reaching high to the Shinogi. With isolated Tobiyaki added in places, it becomes a vigorous Ō-midare, extremely lively. In the valleys of Hamon, thick Nie gathers, with frequent Sunagashi and thick lines of Kinsuji appear, giving a bright and clear impression.
Bōshi: Calms down beneath the Yokote and turns into a midium circle Chu-maru turn back.
Nakago: Ubu, with one Mekugi-ana. Shallow kurijiri heel end. File marks is greatly slanting left Ō-sujikai. The back Mune side has a little contoured mass with Ō-sujikai file marks as well. On the Omote, along Shinogi-suji, there is a long inscription in large chisel strokes reading “Echigo-no-Kami Kanesada” 越後守包貞.

The first generation Echigo-no-Kami Kanesada 越後守包貞, real name Yamada Heidayū 山田平太夫, was originally from Yamato and descended from the Tegai Kanesada line 手掻包貞派. He went to Osaka, where he studied under Mutsu-no-Kami Kaneyasu 陸奥守包保 and his fellow countryman Iga-no-Kami Kanemichi 伊賀守包道. He established a forge studio at Tokiwamachi 常磐町 and was granted the title Echigo-no-Kami in Kanbun 4 (1664). His adopted son, the second generation Echigo-no-Kami Kanesada, changed his name in Enpō 7 (1679) to Sakakura Gon'noshin Terukane 坂倉言之進照包, while the biological son of the first generation succeeded as the third generation Echigo-no-Kami Kanesada.

The first generation smith initially signed “Sesshū-jū Fujiwara Kanesada” 摂州住藤原包貞 with dated works from Keian 3–4 (1650–1651), Jouō 3 (1654), and Manji 1 (1658). After receiving his title, he inscribed “Sesshū Osaka-jū Echigo no Kami Kanesada”摂州大阪住越後守包貞 or simply “Echigo no Kami Kanesada” 越後守包貞.

The subject sword is a magnificent example with a bold Ō-midare hamon of clustered Choji-midare beginning with the hallmark Osaka Yakidashi, featuring tall clustered Choji full of vigor. Along the Ha-buchi of boundary line, brilliant Kinsuji and streaming Sunagashi are rampant, gleaming vividly, while Ashi of Nie extend into the cutting edge. With a wide base, high Iori-mune, high Shinogi, and thick Kasane, its sturdy structure clearly reflects Yamato-den traditions. The Nakago, with its powerful chisel inscription, shows the individuality of the first generation Echigo-no-Kami Kanesada 越後守包貞 of the Tegai school and the full brilliance of Osaka Shintō.
On the Omote, within the Ha, loose hada following the Itame flow can be seen. Due to an old polish, the Mune shows slight darkened patina of rust.
Good old polish/Condition scale: very good-good (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor)
Single layer Gold foiled Shōnai-style Habaki. Preserved in a plain wood mounting Shirasaya with an Sayagaki by Honma Kunzan:
“Echigo no Kami Kanesada, First Generation. Blade length: 2 shaku 2 sun. At Kugayama workshop, September, Shōwa 61 (1986). Authenticated and inscribed by Kunzan (seal)”
越後守包貞 初代 刃長二尺二寸 昭和丙寅年長月於久我山工房 薫山誌(花押)
Reference:
Masakuni Ishii & Honma Kunzan, Nihontō Meikan, Yūzankaku, 1975.