A Sanekage Katana (加州真景)

Kashû Sanekage was said to be a student of grandmaster swordsmith Etchû Norishige, though the chronology makes a direct master-student relationship unlikely. Norishige’s dated works fall in the Shôwa (1312–1317) and Gen’ô (1319–1321) eras, while Sanekage’s appear from the Jôji era (1362–1368) – a gap too wide for direct transmission. It is far more accurate to say that Sanekage was profoundly influenced by Norishige’s legacy, absorbing the unmistakable soshû energy of that tradition and giving it his own northern expression.

This brilliant katana reflects the characteristics of blades from the provinces along the Sea of Japan – the region known as Hokkoku-mono – encompassing both Etchû and Kaga. It is a wide, stout sword with little curvature that stands tall in attention. Large pools of itame and mokume-hada catch the eye immediately, paying clear homage to the work of Norishige. The hamon is a vibrant $1 loaded with ji-nie, glorious chikei, and spectacular amounts of sunagashi and golden lines of kinsuji. This is a blade that will lift spirits each and every time it is admired under the light.

The sword is housed in a terrific custom koshirae lacquered in vermilion – a colour traditionally reserved for the sharpest of swords – with a dynamic set of NBTHK-certified fittings unified by a theme of rolling waves. Sanekage is ranked jô-saku (superior) by Fujishiro and rated ryô-wazamono for the excellent cutting ability of his finely crafted swords.