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 sword was forged by Shikkake Norinaga(尻懸則長) in later generation.
The sword-style that was created in the Yamato region(Today’s Nara Prefecture) is called Yamato-Den. Yamato-Den was one of the most famous sword-styles during the Samurai Period. The others are Yamashiro-Den, Bizen-Den, Soshu-Den, and Mino-Den.

There were five prestigious schools in the Yamato region. One of them was the Yamato Shikkake school. Norinaga was the founder of this school. Some of the swords forged by Yamato Shikkake school are now specified as important cultural properties in Japan.
The scabbard of this sword used oyster shell and the grain pattern on the blade is stunning.


NTHK, also known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai, is the oldest organization for sword authentication of Japanese swords in modern times. It was established in 1889 during the post-Samurai era. They authenticated the blade on Sep 15th in the the first year of Reiwa (2019). The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well.

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Unsigned Norinaga

This sword was forged by Shikkake Norinaga(尻懸則長) in later generation.
The sword-style that was created in the Yamato region.

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