A Kaneshige Katana (武州住上総介藤原兼重)

This powerful katana was made by the 2nd generation Bushu Kaneshige, born Tsuji Suke’emon and son of the celebrated 1st generation Izumi no Kami Kaneshige. The father began his career as an arrow smith in Echizen province before being engaged by the Tôdô daimyô family as a swordsmith – a lineage that gave the 2nd generation an exceptional foundation. Kaneshige was granted the honorary court title of Kazusa no Suke, later raised to Kazusa no Kami, though blades signed with that later title are exceedingly rare. Dated signatures are known from the eighth year of Kanbun (1668) through to the fifth year of Tenna (1685).

The blade carries unmistakeable Sôshû-den influence – a thick suguha base that erupts into deep, rhythmic $1, in direct homage to the great Kotetsu, whose style Kaneshige is said to have studied closely. The hamon shines brilliantly under light, its thick nioguchi alive with kinsuji and sunagashi. Full-length bohi (grooves) with maru-dome rounded ends run on both sides, giving the blade fine balance and an unmistakeable swordsman’s feel. The nakago is ubu (original and unaltered) with elegant kesho-yasurime decorative file marks. Fujishiro ranks this smith jô-saku; his swords are further rated ryô-wazamono for exceptional sharpness.

The katana is accompanied by a magnificent matching koshirae crafted during the Shôwa period, lacquered in brilliant gold nashi-ji with maki-e decoration throughout. Every fitting – tsuba, kozuka, fuchi-kashira, and menuki – carries the aoi-mon (hollyhock) family crest of the Tokugawa shogunate, attributed to the prestigious Yoshioka Inaba no Suke school. A rare and theatrical ensemble that commands attention from the moment it is drawn.