A Masatomi Katana (豊後守源正全)

Bungo no Kami Masatomi – given name Minamoto Masatomi, also known as Shozen – was a swordsmith who relocated from Mino province to Owari, settling in Nagoya during the early Edo period. His work draws favourable comparisons with Hoki no Kami Nobutaka, sharing a similar vitality and refinement that marks the best of the Owari tradition. This is a blade that rewards close study from kissaki to kashira.

The hamon is a brilliant choji-midare that leaps off the blade with clarity and presence. Bursting with sunagashi and animated by a high yakidaka, the temper line is wild yet controlled – the kind of hamon one rarely encounters. It is genuinely beautiful work.

The accompanying Edo-period koshirae is a masterpiece in its own right, paying tribute to the ocean at every turn. An Echizen Kinai School clamshell-design tsuba, waves carved in relief on the fuchi-kashira, and Heike warrior crab menuki – the fittings are thematically unified and of excellent quality. Four certificates of authenticity accompany this sword.