A Kanemune Wakizashi (大和国包宗)

According to the Toko Soran (book of swords), swordsmith Kanemune belonged to the highly respected Yamato Tegai School – a tradition steeped in history and rooted in Nara. The name Tegai derives from the Tegaimon gate of Todaiji temple, where the smiths lived and worked. The school was founded in the late Kamakura period and carried on through the Muromachi and into the early Edo period. This wakizashi, from the Kanbun era (1661-1672), is considered one of the very last works produced by the Tegai School – a historically significant position for any blade to hold.

For purists, there is nothing quite like a Yamato sword. The defining trait is the masame straight-grain jihada, a forging pattern inseparable from the Yamato tradition, and it is here in full expression. The hamon begins with suguha yakidashi at the base – a straight section for approximately 5-6cm before opening into an attractive gunome midare with sunagashi and kinsen. This transition is a hallmark of the Shintô era and is observed on this sword in fine form.

The Edo period koshirae is complete with shakudo (gold copper) fuchi-kashira decorated with Japanese plum flowers (ume), and menuki depicting a horse with plants and flowers – symbols of a healthy, auspicious life. Two certificates accompany the sword: NBTHK Hozon and NTHK-NPO Kanteisho.