This blade was signed by Banyo Koku Eiso Kaneshige (播陽國衛庄金重) in May, the third year of the Ho-Ei era (

: Mid Edo Period). Banyo Koku is another name for Harima domain located in today’s Hyogo prefecture. The maker’s name Kaneshige lasted a few generations, and based on the year inscribed on the tang, it is believed that it was signed by the third-gen, who was active during the Enpo～Ho-Ei era (1673-1711). He also signed as Kinjumaru (金重丸) and Harima Ju Kaneshige (播磨住金重). There was also a record of him forging blades in Edo city (Today’s Tokyo).

It is said that the first-gen Kaneshige was originally from Mino province (Today’s Gifu prefecture) and moved to Harima domain, and became a Hanko, a swordsmith exclusively serving one domain or clan. The head of this domain back then was Honda Tadakuni, a grandson of Tokugawa Yorifusa. The superb craftsmanship the first-gen mastered was passed down to the late generations, including the third-gen.

This blade has a very distinctive Hamon (tempering line) called Kawazuko-Choji Midare (蛙子丁子乱れ). Choji Midare is a type of Hamon consisting of Choji (clove) shapes, but the overall line of the Hamon is irregular and has no definable form. Kawazuko means tadpoles. This particular Hamon was named after the fact that it resembles the shape of a tadpole.

(特別保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK(Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:日本美術刀剣保存協会). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.

Nakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.

Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang because it prevents red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, and it is a great indicator for a Japanese sword specialist to estimate when the sword was forged.

Koshirae: Koshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya(Scabbard), Tsuka(Handle), Tsuba(Handguard).

A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.

Its surface is decorated with the Nanako-Ji (魚子地) technique. It makes minor protrusions on the surface by hitting a specific chisel. In this Fuchi Kashira, each protrusion is beautifully arranged and decorates this work. Protrusions are slightly worn out; it could be considered proof that it has been used for a long time.

About the design, the Kiku (菊, chrysanthemum) flowers are mainly designed. And the gold paint is applied to these petals and some parts of other motifs. A long time ago, the chrysanthemum was used as a medicine for obtaining a long life on the continent, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). Chrysanthemum symbolizes fall, and people have greatly appreciated it since ancient times. As its petals form radially, the chrysanthemum has been likened to the sun. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health.

You could see an engraved inscription on the side of the Fuchi part. The right side line could be read as 正阿弥 (Shoami). The first letter of the left line is probably 藤 (pronounced as Fuji or Tou), but the second character cannot see clearly. The Shoami is the school’s name. This school originated in Kyoto prefecture, and it is said that many artisans were calling themselves this sect in various regions from the Muromachi period to the Edo period. It is not easy to generalize all of them and describe their common characteristics. There were some flourished schools such as Akita Shoami, Aidu Shoami, Iyo Shoami, etcetera.

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by the third-gen Kaneshige

 This blade was signed by Banyo Koku Eiso Kaneshige (播陽國衛庄金重) in May, the third year of the Ho-Ei era (1706: Mid Edo Period).

This blade was signed by Shibata Masayori (新発田正順) in the fourth year of the Ansei era (1858: The end of the Edo period). Shibata is the province located in today’s Nigata prefecture. The signature also says it was made at the beginning of winter (Hatsu Fuyu: 初冬). Based on the signature and NBTHK’s authentication paper, the engraving was also made by Masayori. This blade was ordered by Hasebe Ujishige (長谷部氏重).

In this work, you see a Japanese apricot. Since this plant design has been favored as an auspicious design, it was possibly incorporated into the Horimono. Japanese apricot blossoms begin to bloom in winter that snow still covers its tree, so people thought this flower tells the arrival of spring. Same as cherry blossom, it has been appreciated for a long time in Japan. People enjoy its adorable petal shape and scent, gracefully branched tree, and compose many poems. As it comes out in the cold season, it symbolizes the power of perseverance and vitality.

Three characters are engraved vertically. These letters could be read as follows: 君万歳. If we divide these letters based on the meaning of modern words, they could be divided into two words, “君” and “万歳.” Please note that here we introduce these letters’ meanings to you based on their dictionary meanings. The word 君 (Kimi) means an respected way of calling a higher authority such as an emperor or a person of virtue. And another word, 万歳 (Banzai) generally means the movement to show joy or celebration. The person who ordered this blade must have requested Masayori to engrave these letters. We assume this Tanto might have a special present from someone to a higher authority.

 Token(特別保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK(Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:日本美術刀剣保存協会). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.

Black lacquer is applied to this Fuchi Kasira. And you would find that a golden mark is designed on the Kashira part. We think it is put as a family crest, and this design is called the Daki Myoga Mon (抱き茗荷文). It depicts a combination of two mioga gingers that are facing each other. It is often confused with the Gyouyou (杏葉) pattern; the difference between the Gyouyou and Myoga patterns is whether veins are depicted in leaves. Also, the Gyouyou pattern is not a plant design.

The Japanese name of mioga ginger “Myoga (茗荷)” has the same pronunciation as another word, “Myoga (冥加),” which means divine protection; therefore, this motif has been treated as a good-luck design. According to a theory, people incorporated the Myoga pattern into designs because the symbol of Matara-Jin (摩多羅神) was Myoga. This god has been worshipped in Tendai-shū (天台宗, Tendai lotus school), and believed that this god liberates from earthly bondage. That is why this crest is seen at shrines and temples in various parts of Japan. We assume the former owner of this sword might have chosen this Fuchi Kashira’s design based on his family crest.

Arms, Armor, Arts

Latest publication

Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Signed by Masayori

Our newest stock