A Kanegishi Katana (兼岸 (関))

Swordsmith Kanegishi (also read Kanekishi) worked in Seki city in Mino province five hundred years ago during the Kyôroku era, circa 1528~1532, right in the thick of the Sengoku-jidai – the warring states period when the whole of Japan was at odds with itself. If you are seeking a long sword that has almost certainly seen battle, this is one to claim. The signed nakago reads Nôshû Seki jû Kanegishi and has been preserved intact through a machi-okuri shortening process – a true blessing for a blade of this age.

This is a very sharp and sturdy Sue-Seki katana that carries all the hallmarks of the school. The eye-catching kenbô-midare hamon is a temper line pioneered by first generation Kanefusa back in the Eikyô era circa 1429~1441, and this blade delivers it with a strong presence. You will also find masame-hada in the shinogi-ji, flowing nagare-hada in the body, arrow-notch yahazu-ba, togari-gunome, sunagashi, shirake-utsuri, and bright tempered spots of tobiyaki – a thoroughly satisfying blade to study.

The handsome koshirae centres around an iron tsuba adorned with a suhama (sandbar) motif, thoughtfully chosen to complement the blade’s swirling kenbô-midare pattern which evokes the natural curves of a sandbar. The unique diamond-shaped renbishi fuchi-kashira from the famed Yoshioka school gives the sword an armoured presence built to protect the samurai. The menuki depict antique books in gold. Very few signed examples of Kanegishi katana are in existence, making this formidable Sue-Seki piece a fine discovery indeed.