Uncategorized – Page 5 – Study of Japanese Sword

May 5, 2018November 25, 2025 Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 Uncategorized

23| Sengoku Period Sword　(戦国時代刀）

0-timeline - size 24 Sengoku period

The red circle above indicate the time we discuss in this section

After the Onin-no-ran, Kyoto was left in a devastated state. Almost all the distinguished swordsmiths in the Kyoto area were gone. Many Sengoku daimyo (warlords or feudal lords) needed swords from nearby regions. The Mino and Bizen areas were the main centers of sword production during the Sengoku period, because Mino Province was conveniently located for many feudal lords. Also, the Shizu group from Yamato-den (school) moved to Mino Province. Tegai Kaneyoshi from Yamato-den moved to Mino, and many swordsmiths from the Yamashiro and Yamato areas also moved to Mino. As a result, Mino could supply a large demand for swords. During this wartime period, samurai sought practical swords that would not bend or break yet still cut well. Along with swordsmiths in the Mino area, Bizen Osafune swordsmiths also met the high demand.

Kazu-Uchi-Mono and Chumon-Uchi

Kazu-uchi-mono was a sword made just well enough for one battle. They were not intended for long-term preservation.
Chumon-uchi was a custom-made sword. They were well-shaped, well-forged, and often engraved with the swordsmith’s name as well as the name of the person who ordered it.

Characteristics of Mino-Den Swords

Sugata (姿：shape) ————– Shallow curvature, low gyo-no-mune, chu–kissaki with fukura. The width and thickness are neither too wide nor too thick. Engraving is rare on Mino-den swords. On Bizen-den swords, the bottom of the bo-hi (single groove) has a rounded end (see the photo on P.100) just above the machi area (for machi, see the diagram in Chapter 3: Names of parts).

13 Mune drawing

Hamon (刃文: Tempered line)

Mino Den ——–Mostly Nioi. Sanbon-sugi (pointed Gunome ), O-notare, Yahazu-midare, Hako-midare (box shape), Chu-suguha with Katai-ha. See the drawings below. Also, Mino Koshi-ba appeared. Mino Koshi-ba: approx. 1-inch Sugu-ha at the bottom, followed by irregular Hamon, then Chu-suguha at the top.

Mino-Den Hamon

24 Sannbon sugi,hako, yahazu, O-midare) 24 Suguha katai-ha

Bizen-Den ———-Mostly Nioi. Wide tempered line. Koshi-hiraita-midare. See the drawings below.

Bizen-Den Hamon

22Hamon (Koshi Hiraita midare) — from Sano Museum Catalogue

Boshi ((鋩子: Tempered line at the kissaki area)—————————–Turn back deep. Jizo-boshi (side view of a monk’s head), Ko-maru (small round), kaeri-yoru (lean)

24 jizo-boshi Keri-yoru

Ji-hada (地肌: the area between shinogi and the tempered area)————Mokume (wood burl) mixed with masame (straight grain). It often shows masame in the shinogi area. Sometimes, mokume stands out.

Swordsmiths during the Sengoku Period

Mino-Den———Magoroku Kanemoto (孫六兼元) Izuminokami Kanesada (和泉守兼定) Bizen-Den —-Yosozaemon Sukesada (興三左衛門祐定) Norimitsu (則光) Tadamitu(忠光)

Yosozaemon Sukesada (Sano Museum) 興三左衛門祐定（佐野美術館） Permission granted

April 28, 2018November 25, 2025 Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 23 | Sengoku Period, Uncategorized

22| Sengoku Period History (戦国時代歴史)

0-timeline - size 24 Sengoku Period 0

The red circle above indicates the time we discuss in this section

The timeline above shows two circles. In political history, the Sengoku period (戦国時代) is part of the Muromachi period (室町), which is the lower circle. However, in sword history, we separate the Muromachi and Sengoku periods (Warring States period), the top circle. In sword history, we divide the time this way because, during those two periods, sword styles changed, and the environment of sword-making also changed.

After the Onin-no-ran (応仁の乱) began (discussed in 20|Muromachi Period History), the beautiful capital city of Kyoto (京都) was in a devastated condition. The shogun’s (将軍) power reached only over a small area. The rest of the country was divided into about thirty small independent states. The leaders of these independent states were called shugo daimyo (守護大名). They were originally government officials who were appointed and sent there by the central government.

Powerful local samurai often became the leaders of these states. They fought against each other to take over each other’s land. During the Sengoku period, vassals would kill their lords and steal their domains, or farmers would revolt against their lords. A state like this is called “gekoku-jo” (lower-class samurai overthrow the superior).　

This was the time of the Warring States, known as the Sengoku period. The leader of each state was called a Sengoku daimyo (戦国大名: Warlord). The Sengoku period lasted about 100 years. Gradually, powerful states defeated weaker ones through long, fierce battles, expanding their territory. Around thirty small countries became twenty, then ten, and so on. Eventually, only a few dominant sengoku daimyo (warlords) remained. Each daimyo from those states fought their way to Kyoto and tried to become the top ruler of Japan. The first one who almost succeeded was Oda Nobunaga (織田信長). However, he was killed by his vassal, Akechi Mitsuhide (明智光秀), and soon Akechi was killed by his colleague, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉).　　

After Toyotomi Hideyoshi defeated Akechi Mitsuhide, his troops, and other major warlords, he nearly completed the unification of Japan. Yet, Hideyoshi still had one more rival to deal with to finish his goal. That was Tokugawa Iyeyasu (徳川家康). Now, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu are the last contenders for the top position. Both recognized that their opponents were smart and capable. Any wrong move could be disastrous. Therefore, they decided to maintain a friendly coexistence on the surface for the time being. Although Toyotomi Hideyoshi tried to make Tokugawa Ieyasu his vassal, Tokugawa Ieyasu somehow managed to avoid that. In Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mind, being younger than Toyotomi Hideyoshi, he knew he could simply wait until Hideyoshi‘s natural death, which eventually happened.

After Hideyoshi’s death, Tokugawa Ieyasu fought Hideyoshi’s vassals and won at the Battle of Sekigahara (関ヶ原の戦い) in 1600. Then, in 1615, at the Battle of the Osaka Natsu-no-jin (Osaka Summer Campaign: 大阪夏の陣), Tokugawa defeated Hideyoshi’s son’s army. Following this, the Toyotomi clan was dissolved entirely, and the Edo (江戸) period began. It is called the Edo period because Tokugawa Ieyasu lived in Edo, which is now Tokyo (東京).

*The Sengoku period is frequently depicted in TV dramas and movies. People who lived through that era had a tough time, but it was also the most exciting time for creating TV shows and films. The lives of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu are among the most popular stories in Japan. In particular, the story of Toyotomi Hideyoshi is among the most popular. His background was that of a poor farmer, but he rose to become the top ruler of Japan. That is a fascinating success story.

23 Toyotomi_hideyoshi

Portrait of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) by Kano Mitsunobu, owned by Kodai-Ji Temple From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repositon.

April 14, 2018November 25, 2025 Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 22| Muromachi Period Sword, Uncategorized

21| Muromachi Period Sword (室町時代刀)

0-timeline - size 24 Muromach

　　　　　　　The red circle above indicates the time we discuss in this section

The Muromachi period was a relatively peaceful and prosperous time until shortly before the “Onin-no-ran,” which occurred at the end of the Muromachi period. Refer to Chapter 20, Muromachi Period History (室町時代歴史). The Nanboku-cho style long swords became outdated; as a result, they were shortened. The shortened blade is called suriage. Overall, the Muromachi period was a declining time for sword-making.

Tachi and Katana

Until the end of the Nanboku-cho period or the beginning of the Muromachi period, samurai wore swords suspended from their waists with the blade facing down. When a sword was worn this way, the swordsmith inscribed his name on the side facing outward, meaning the blade is on your right when you see the inscription. In this case, the sword is called a tachi.

During the Muromachi period, a sword was worn between the belt, with the blade facing up. The swordsmith inscribed his name so that it faced outward when it was worn. Therefore, when you see the inscription, the cutting edge is to your left. This is classified as a katana.

Around the beginning of the Muromachi period, samurai started to wear a pair of swords called dai-sho (大小), meaning large and small. The longer sword is a katana, and the shorter one is a wakizashi. In general, a tachi is longer than a katana. A katana is longer than a wakizashi, and a wakizashi is longer than a tanto. Here is the order of their lengths.

Tachi > Katana > Wakizashi > Tanto Tachi and katana differ in how they are worn, not in length.

O-suriage ( 大磨上: Katana shortened by great length)　

How much the sword should be shortened depends on its original length and how much the owner wants it shortened. O-suriage is a type of sword that is significantly shortened. Once the blade is shortened by that length, the inscription of the maker’s name is cut off. When the Hon’ami family (本阿弥家, a family of sword connoisseurs who have appraised Japanese swords for generations from the Muromachi period to today) appraises such a suriage sword, they write the make of the sword and the swordsmith’s name on the front side of the hilt, and the connoisseur’s name with his kaou (similar to a signature) on the back. There are several levels of writing. The level at which it should be done depends on the sword’s quality and the owner’s preference. Below is the order of levels (high to low).

Shu-Mei (朱明 )————————————————————-name written in Vermilion Kinpun-Mei (金粉名 )———————————————–name lacquered in gold powder Gin-Zougan (銀象嵌 )————————————————————name inlaid in silver Kin-Zougan (金象嵌 )————————————————————-name inlaid in gold

Sugata (姿: Shape) ——— The average length is typically two feet three to four inches (68~71cm). The shape of the Muromachi period katana is somewhat similar to that of the Heian period tachi. However, Muromachi katana are less grand or graceful than those from the Heian period swords. The curvature is usually of the koshizori style. Koshizori refers to the highest curvature being near the lower part of the blade. The length and shape are suitable for wearing between the body and the belt. The width and thickness are well-balanced with the size of the sword. Small kissaki.

22 Muromachi sword shape

Hirazukuri-Wakizashi ———– Hirazukuri refers to a flat surface without a shinogi or yokote line. Usually, it is 1 foot and 1 to 2 inches long. No curvature. Hirazukuri-wakizashi appeared during the Muromachi period.

Hamon (刃文: tempered line) ———————- Nioi base. The tempered area is well balanced with the blade’s width. Koshi-hiraita-midare is mixed with choji-midare.

Boshi (Tempered line at Kissaki area) ————– Midare-komi, a short turn back. See the above illustration. Midare is an irregular wave-like pattern.
Ji-hada (地肌: An area between the tempered line and Shinogi)- Soft look, a large wood grain pattern, Ji-utsuri (faint smoke or cloud-like effect) shows.
Horimono (彫物：Engravings) ———- Bo-hi (single groove), Soe-hi (a thin groove alongside the main hi), Futasuji-hi (double narrow groove), Sanskrit, Tokko-tsuki ken, Tsume-tsuki Ken, name of God, and dragon. Carvings became elaborate.

8 Hi, Suken, Bonji 21 Tsume-tuki-ken tokko with caption

Sword Smiths during Muromachi Period

Bizen Den ——–Osafune Morimitsu (長船盛光), Yasumitsu (康光), Moromitsu (師光)
Yamashiro Den————————————————-Yamashiro Nobukuni (山城信国)

21 Muromachi sword from Sano

Ise Masashige (伊勢正重), Bizen Osafune Naomitsu (備前長船尚光) Juyo Token(重要刀剣) Sano Museum Catalogue (permission granted) once my family sword

April 7, 2018December 15, 2025 Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 21 |Muromachi Period, Uncategorized

20|Muromachi Period History (室町時代歴史) 　　　

　 The red circle iabove ndicates the time we discuss in this section

The Muromachi period started after Ashikaga Takauji (足利尊氏) and several other key leaders ended the Nanboku-cho period. Discussed in 17|Nanboku-cho Period History (1333-1393).

The grandson of Ashikaga Takauji, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (足利義満, often called Shogun Yoshimitsu), constructed a beautiful new palace in the Muromachi (室町) area of Kyoto. The palace became the center of government, known as the Muromachi bakufu (室町幕府: Muromachi government). This is the beginning of the Muromachi period. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu also built the famous “Kinkaku-ji Temple” * (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto as his second residence.

Kinkaku-ji Temple* (金閣寺: Golden Pavilion) —————Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (足利義満) built Kinkaku-ji in 1397. Later, it became a Rinzai-Shu (臨済宗) Buddhist temple, but it was originally built as the secondary residence of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and a guest house for official visitors. Today, it is a designated World Heritage site. The temple was burned down by an arsonist in 1950 but was rebuilt in 1955. Novelist Mishima Yukio wrote a novel, “Kinkaku-ji,” which relates to this temple and the arsonist. A famous quote from his book is, “The ho-oh (a mythic golden bird, a Chinese version of the phoenix) on the roof of Kinkaku-ji Temple is stationary, but it flies through time eternally.”

During the Muromachi period, the emperor’s power declined. The shogun (将軍) held all the political power. Gradually, several groups of samurai who were officially appointed as shugo daimyo (守護大名: high-ranking officials) began to gain political and economic power by occupying key positions in the Muromachi bakufu. They also owned extensive land. Two powerful shugo daimyo families were the Hosokawa (細川) and Yamana (山名).

The Ashikaga family made great efforts to establish the Muromachi bakufu as a stable and strong government through political measures. The beginning of the Muromachi period was peaceful and prosperous. However, by the time Ashikaga Yoshimasa (足利義政) became the eighth shogun, the Muromachi bakufu had become severely corrupt. Shogun Yoshimasa paid little attention to governing the country. Instead, he pursued women (his mother scolded him for this), spent large amounts of money building the Silver Pavilion called “Ginkaku-ji Temple (銀閣寺),” and retreated there. Since Shogun Yoshimasa did not have an heir, his brother, Yoshimi (義視), was appointed as the next shogun.

However, later, Yoshimasa’s wife, Hino Tomiko (日野富子)*, gave birth to a son, Yoshihisa (義尚). Now, brother Yoshimi (義視) allied with the high-ranking officials, the Hosokawa (細川), while his son, Yoshihisa, allied with another powerful family, the Yamana (山名). Several smaller samurai groups allied with either side, and the war broke out. This war, called Onin-no-ran (応仁の乱), occurred in 1467. It spread across the country and lasted for eleven years.

Hino Tomiko (日野富子)*————————-The wife of Shogun Yoshimasa. She took advantage of her political privileges to generate substantial income by investing in the rice market, thereby controlling prices and selling at high profits. Then, she loans this money to high-ranking officials at steep interest rates. The corruption reached an uncontrollable level.

As a result of the Onin-no-ran, beautiful Kyoto was burned to the ground. The authority of the Muromachi bakufu only extended to small areas of nearby Kyoto. The Onin-no-ran led to the next period called the Sengoku period (戦国時代), or the Warring States period. During the Sengoku period, Japan was divided into approximately thirty small, independent states that fought one another until Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu unified them.

57 Kinkakuji trip 2019

The photo was taken in May 2019, a family trip to Kyoto

March 17, 2018December 15, 2025 Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 20 Nanboku-Cho Tanto, Uncategorized

19 | Nanboku-Cho Period Tanto（南北朝短刀）

The circle indicates the time we discuss in this section

During the Nanboku-cho period, a type of tanto called hirazukuri ko-wakizashi sun-nobi tanto was made. Hirazukuri means flat swords without the yokote line or shinogi. Ko-wakizashi refers to a shorter sword. Sun-nobi tanto means longer than a standard tanto. This type is also known as Enbun Jyoji ko-wakizashi tanto because most of these tantos were created during the Enbun and Jyoji eras of the imperial period. In Japan, a new imperial era begins when a new emperor ascends to the throne. The Enbun era spanned 1356-1361, while the Jyoji period spanned 1362-1368.

20 Enbun Jyoji Kowakizashi Tanto

Sugata (姿: shape) ————A standard tanto measure is approximately one shaku. Shaku is an old Japanese unit of measurement for length, and one shaku is roughly equal to one foot.

8.5 sun (the sun is another old Japanese measurement unit of length) is approximately ten inches. Ten inches is the standard size for a tanto, known as a josun tanto. Anything longer than a josun tanto is called a sun-nobi tanto. Anything shorter than a josun is called a sun-zumari tanto.

Most of the Nanboku-cho tantos are longer than a josun tanto, approximately one foot two inches. Therefore, they are called hirazukuri ko-wakizashi sun-nobi tanto. Saki-zori (curved outward at the top. See the illustration above). Wide in width and thin in body. Fukura kareru (no fukura means less arc). Shin-no-mune. See the drawing below.

20 Fukura 20 Shin-no-Mune

Hi, (樋: Grooves) and Horimono (彫り物: Engraving) ——- A groove or grooves on the mune side. Bonji (Sanskrit, see Chapter 16 Late Kamakura Period (Early Soshu-Den Tanto), koshi-bi (short groove), tumetuki ken, and tokko-tsuki ken (see below) appear. The ken (dagger) is curved widely and deeply in the upper part and shallower and narrower in the lower part. This is called Soshu-bori (Soshu-style carving).

20 Tokko, tume Ken

Hamon (刃: Tempered line) ——- The narrowly tempered section at the lower part gradually widens toward the top. A similar wide hamon pattern extends into the boshi area. The hamon in the kissaki area is kaeri-fukashi (deep turn back). See the illustration below. Coarse nie. O-midare (large irregular hamon pattern).

20 Hitatsura

From Sano Museum Catalogue

Ji-hada (地肌: the area between shinogi-ji and the tempered line) ——– a loose wood grain pattern called itame. Yubashiri (see Chapter 16, Late Kamakura Period) and tobiyaki (irregular patchy tempered spots) appear. Dense tobiyaki is called hitatsura (see the drawing above).

Nakago (茎: Tang) —- Short tanago-bara. Tanago-bara refers to the shape of the belly of a Japanese fish called tanago (bitterling).

20 Tanago Bara

Tanto Swordsmiths during the Nanboku-Cho Period

Soshu Den ———————————————————-Hiromitu( 広光) Akihiro (秋広) Yamashiro Den ————————————————–Hasebe Kunishige (長谷部国重) Bizen Den ——————————————————— Kanemitu (兼光) Chogi (長義 )

Soshu Hiromitsu “Nippon-To Art Sword of Japan “ The Walter A. Compton Collection

March 10, 2018December 15, 2025 Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 19| Nanboku-Cho (North and South dynasty) Period Sword, Uncategorized

18| Nanboku-Cho Period Sword (南北朝太刀）

The circle indicates the time we discuss in this section

During the Nanboku-cho period, samurai sought large, elaborate, impressive, yet practical swords. The Soshu-den style sword from Nanboku-cho time was just that. This was the most popular style at the time. The Nanboku-cho period marked the peak and height of the Soshu-den sword. Many swordsmiths moved from other provinces to the Kamakura area and forged Soshu-den style swords. Other schools and provinces outside the Kamakura area also produced Soshu-den-style swords in their own areas.

19 Nanboku-cho Sword style

Sugata (姿: Shape) —————–The original length of a sword ranged from three to five feet, but it was later shortened to about two and a half feet. A significantly shortened blade is called o-suriage.

The Nanboku-cho style sword features shallow kyo-zori (also called torii-zori). Refer to Chapter 5, Heian Period Sword. The highest curvature occurs around the middle of the body. It has a wide body, high shinogi, narrow shinogi-ji (Chapter 3, Names of parts), and thin kasane (blade thickness), which are distinctive features of the Nanboku-cho style. High gyo-no-mune or shin-no-mune, and sometimes a maru-mune (round back).

19 Nanboku-cho 3 kinds Mune

Hi (樋: groove) and Horimono (彫刻: engraving) ——– Often, a single hi (bo-hi), double hi, suken (dagger), Bonji (Sanskrit), and/or dragon are engraved on the shinogi-ji area. Refer to Chapter 3, Names of Parts.

9 Hi, Suken, Bonji

Hamon (刃: Tempered line) —- The lower part of the body exhibits a narrow-tempered line; gradually, this line becomes wider and showier. Course nie. O-midare (large, irregular, wavy hamon), Notare-midare (wavy, irregular hamon), and Gunome-midare (a combination of repeated half-circular and irregular hamon). Inazuma and kinsuji (see Chapter 14, Late Kamakura Period Sword) sometimes appear.

*From Sano Museum Catalogue ( Permission granted).

Ji-hada (地肌: the area between the shinogi and the tempered line) ———————-Wood-grain pattern (itame 板目). Sometimes tobiyaki (patchy tempered spots) appear on ji-hada. For ji-hada, refer to Chapter 3, Names of Parts.

Kissaki (切っ先) and Boshi (tempered line at the kissaki area) ———- O-kissaki (long and large kissaki). Fukura kareru (less arc kissaki). Midare-komi (the body and boshi have a similar tempered pattern), with kaeri-fukashi (hamon deeply turns back), and sometimes hitatsura (entirely tempered). See the illustration above.

Sword-smiths during Nanboku-Cho Period Soshu Den (school)

From Soshu—————————————————Hiromitsu (広光) Akihiro (秋広) 　
From Yamashiro ———————————————Hasebe Kunishige (長谷部国重)
From Bizen (called So-den Bizen)——-Chogi (長儀 )group Kanemitsu (兼光 ) group
From Chikuzen ———————————————————-Samoji (左文字 ) group

Chogi (長義）from The Sano Museum catalog. Permission to use is granted

The distinctive characteristics of the Nanboku-Cho period sword in the photo above

The trace of an engraving of suken on the inside of the nakago indicates that this area was once a part of the main body.
Large and long kissaki

March 3, 2018December 15, 2025 Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 18 Nanboku(Yoshino) Cho--North and South dynasty, Uncategorized

17| Nanboku-cho Period History 1333-1392(南北朝歴史）

0-timeline - size 24 Nanboku-cho

The red circle above indicates the time we discuss in this section.

After Jokyu-no-ran (Chapter 10 Jokyu-no-ran), the power of the Imperial Court declined significantly. The successor, the Hojo clan, which was a dominant force during the Kamakura period, also began to face financial difficulties and began to lose control over regional lords. One reason was the costs incurred by the Mongol invasion. The Kamakura bakufu (government) could not adequately reward the samurai who fought hard during the war. As a result, they became very dissatisfied with the bakufu. Seeing this as an opportunity, Emperor Go-Daigo attempted to attack the Kamakura bakufu twice but failed both times. He was exiled to Oki Island. In the meantime, Ashikaga Takauji (足利尊氏) and several groups of anti-Kamakura samurai gathered armed forces and succeeded in destroying the Kamakura bakufu in 1333. This war ended the Kamakura period.

Emperor Go-Daigo, who had been exiled to Oki Island, returned to Kyoto and attempted political reforms. This reform was known as Kenmu-no-chuko (or Kenmu-no-shinsei, 建武の中興). However, his reforms failed to satisfy most of the ruling class. Seeing an opportunity, Ashikaga Takauji attacked the Imperial Court in Kyoto, deposed Emperor Go-Daigo, and installed a member of a different branch of the Imperial family as emperor.

Emperor Go-Daigo, however, insisted on his legitimacy, moved to Yoshino in the south of Kyoto, and established another Imperial court. Thus, the Northern and Southern Dynasties began. With much strife between these rival courts and internal problems within each court, more samurai groups began to move to the Northern Dynasty. About sixty years later, the Southern Dynasty was forced to accept the Northern Dynasty’s proposal. Consequently, the Northern Dynasty became the legitimate imperial court. This sixty-year period is referred to as the Nanboku-cho or Yoshino-cho period.

During the Nanboku-cho period, samurai preferred longer, more elaborate, yet practical swords. The Soshu-den was at the height of its prominence. However, the Soshu group was not the only one to produce Soshu-den-style swords. Other schools and provinces in different areas also made Soshu-den-style swords.

Late Kamakura Period Swordsmiths (Early Soshu-Den time)

Tosaburo Yukimitsu (藤三郎行光)
Goro Nyudo Masamune (五郎入道正宗)
Hikoshiro Sadamune (彦四郎貞宗)

17 Masamune hamon (Sano) Masamune from Sano Museum Catalog (permission granted)

Nanboku-cho Period Swordsmiths (Middle Soshu-Den time)

Hiromitsu (広光)
Akihiro (秋広)

20 Hitatsura Hiromitsu Hitatura ) Hiromitsu from Sano Museum Catalog (permission granted)

Muromachi Period Swordsmiths (Late Soshu-Den time)

Hiromasa (広正)
Masahiro (正広)

February 17, 2018November 22, 2025 Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 Uncategorized

16| Late Kamakura period: Soshu Den Tanto (相州伝短刀)

The red circle above indicates the time we discuss in this section

17 Soshu Tanto

Sugata (Style 姿)—-Three types of Tanto appeared (as below)

Takenoko-Zori —– Approximately 10 inches long. However, during the middle Kamakura period, they were slightly longer than 10 inches. Hirazukuri shape. The width is a little wider than that of the mid-Kamakura period. Refer Chapter 12| Middle Kamakura Period: Tanto (Dagger: 鎌倉中期短刀） (dagger, knife).
Chukan-Zori—–Mune side is straight. Hirazukuri. Wide mihaba (width). Slightly thick body. Fukura Kareru, see below.
Saki-Zori —–bend outward at the top, hirazukuri, fukura kareru. (illustration below)

16 Three Tanto

9 Boshi Fukura

Hi (樋: Grooves) and Horimono (彫り物: Engravings)————-Often, hi (groove) is shown on the mune side. Sometimes, ken (dagger) and Bonji (Sanskrit) are curved inside the wide hi. Refer to Chapter 12, Middle Kamakura Period: Tanto, for hi.

17 Bonji Suken 17 Gomabashi Hi

Hamon (刃文: tempered line) ————- Hamon closely resembles that of the Late Kamakura period. Refer to Chapter 14, Late Kamakura Period Sword. Some tanto may have a wide hamon, while others may have a narrow one. Often, a narrow hamon appears at the lower part, followed by a wider hamon at the top. The hamon work around the fukura area is the widest and most showy.

15 Late Kamakura Soshu Hamon 17 Masamune Hamon

Ji-hada (地肌: the area between hamon and shinogi) ——-Ji-hada is excellent, showing a lot of ji-nie (nie work on ji-hada). Yubashiri and chikei (clusters of nie) are shown.

17 Yubashiri, Chikei

Yubashiri, Chikei both are created by the collection of Nie

Early Soshu Den (school) swordsmiths at the late Kamakura Period

Soshu den (school) —————–Yukimitsu (行光), Masamune (正宗), Sadamune (貞宗) Yamashiro Den (school)———————-Rai Kunitsugu (来国次), Rai Kunimitsu (来国光) Yamato Den (shool) —————————————————-Taema Kuniyuki (当麻国行) Ettchu Province ———————————————————-Ettsu Norishige (越中則重) Chikuzen province—————————————————Chikuzen Samoji (筑前左文字)

Enju Kuniyoshi (延寿国吉) once family sword

Goro-Nyudo Masamune (Sano Museum catalog permission granted) This Tanto shape is rare for Masamune.

February 10, 2018December 15, 2025 Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 16 The revival of Yamato School, Uncategorized

15| The Revival of Yamato Den（大和伝復活）

　　　　　　　　The red circle above indicates the time we discuss in this section

It is believed that sword-making first started in Yamato province (now Nara Prefecture) during the Nara period (710 to 794). In the early days of sword-making, the forging techniques were primitive. At that time, many swordsmiths lived in Yamato, but over time, sword-making in this region declined.

At the end of the Kamakura period, several powerful Buddhist temples emerged in the Yamato area, leading to conflicts among them. Temples held significant political and military power to control large territories called shoen (荘園) through their large numbers of warrior monks, known as sohei (僧兵). The most dominant group was Nanto Sohei (南都僧兵)*. These groups of sohei demanded more swords to arm themselves, which revitalized the Yamato-den (school) and increased the number of swordsmiths in the Yamato area. As a result, the Yamato-den group became active again. The Yamato-den style is somewhat similar to the Yamashiro-den.

*Nanto Sohei (南都僧兵)—————-Since around the 11th century, Buddhist temples grew powerful under the protection of the Joko (retired emperors). These temples had many sohei (low-level monks who also served as soldiers). When power struggles arose among the temples, sohei fought as their soldiers on the battlefields. Nanto Sohei were such soldiers at Kofuku-Ji Temple (興福寺). Several large temples, such as Todai-ji (東大寺) Temple, controlled the Yamato area.

Sugata (姿: Shape) —————- Not much difference in style during the early part of Yamato–den and Yamashiro-den. Shinogi is high. Mune is thin. Some Yamato-den have a shallow sori (curvature).

16 Yamato sword cross section

Hamon (刃文：Tempered line) ——————Narrow tempered line. Mainly nie (沸). Chu-suguha-hotsure (中直刃ほつれ: a medium straight line with a frayed pattern), ko-choji-midare (小丁子: a mixture of small clove-like patterns and irregular wavy lines), ko-midare (小乱: small irregular wavy lines), ko-gunome-komidare (小五の目小乱: small continuous half-circles mixed with wavy lines).

The main features of the Yamato–den style sword are masame (straight grain). Its tempered line often shows nijyu-ha (double straight lines), hakikake (brush mark trace), uchinoke (a crescent-shaped line), or a combination of these. See the illustration below.

Boshi (鋩子: Tempered line at Kissaki area) ———- In the boshi area, a straight grain hamon pattern appears. Yakizume or kaen. (Refer to Chapter 12, Middle Kamakura period: Tanto). O-maru, ko-maru, nie-kuzure. (Refer to Chapter 14, Late Kamakura Period Sword. See the illustration below.)

15 Omaru Komaru Niekuzure

Ji-hada (地肌)：Area between the shinogi and the tempered line)———— mostly masame-hada (straight grain pattern 柾目肌). Fine ji-nie, chikei, or yubashiri. (Refer to Chapter 14, Late Kamakura Period Sword (鎌倉末太刀). See below.)

16 Masame Hada

Nakago (Hilt) ———————– Often displays Higaki Yasuri (檜垣), the finishing file pattern, as illustrated below.

16 Higaki Yasuri

Names of the Yamato School Sword-smiths

Taema(当麻) Group————–Taema Kuniyuki(当麻国行)　Taema Tomokiyo(当麻友清) Shikkake (尻懸) Group———————————————-Shikkake Norinaga (尻懸則長) Tegai (手掻) group ——————Tegai Kanenaga (手掻包永) Tegai Kanekiyo(手掻包清) Hoshou (保昌) group———Hosho Sadayoshi ( 保昌貞吉) Hosho Sadamune (保昌貞宗)

Yamato Senjuin Saya Enso (大和千手院沙弥円宗) once my family sword

January 13, 2018December 15, 2025 Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 12| Ikubi Kissaki, Uncategorized

11| Ikubi Kissaki (猪首切先)

The circle indicates the time we discuss in this chapter.

Through the experience of the Jokyu-no-ran war (Chapter 10), the design of the swords shifted to a wider, sturdier, and more impressive style. The swords made around this time are called “ikubi-kissaki. “ Ikubi means a wild boar’s neck. The kissaki area of ikubi-kissaki-style swords resembles a boar’s neck, with a somewhat stout appearance.

The middle Kamakura period was the golden age of Japanese sword-making. Many top swordsmiths created exceptional swords during this time. Experts agree that there are no mediocre swords among Ikubi-kissaki swords.

IkubiKissakiSword 12 Ikubi Kissaki sword style

SUGATA (shape) —————— Originally 3 feet or longer, these blades were often shortened in later years. Wide width. Thick kasane (thick body) with hamaguri-ha, meaning the sword’s cross-section is shaped like a clam. The difference in width between the near yokote line and the machi is minimal. The shinogi is high and narrow. The cross-section of an Ikubi-kissaki sword is shown below.

12　蛤刃と鎬

KISSAKI ————- Ikubi-kissaki. Ikubi means the neck of a wild boar. It is thick, short, and stout in appearance. Kissaki is short and wide at the yokote line. The illustration below shows an exaggerated image of an Ikubi-kissaki.

12 Ikubi Kissak drawing

Hamon (刃文) —— Kawazuko-choji (tadpole-head shape pattern). O-choji (large clove-shape pattern), ko-choji (small clove-shape), a mixture of o-choji and ko-choji, or suguha-choji. Suguha-choji features a straight line combined with a choji (clove-shape) pattern.

12 Hamon Kawazuko-choji O-choji Ko-choji Suguha-choji (tadpole head) (large clove) (small clove) (straight and clove)

Boshi (鋩子) ——Yakizume: the hamon ends almost at the tip of the kissaki, with no return. Sansaku Boshi: the hamon narrows at the yokote line, created by Nagamitsu (長光), Kagemitsu (景光), and Sanenaga (真長). See below for Yakizume and Sansaku Boshi.

12 Yakizume

Yakizume 11 Sansaku Boshi（三作 Sansaku-boshi

Ikubi Kissaki Sword Smiths

Fukuoka Ichimonji Group (福岡一文字) —————Fukuoka Ichimonji Norimune (則宗) Kamakura Ichimonji Group(鎌倉一文字) ———— Kamakura Ichimonji Sukezane (助真) Soshu Bizen Kunimune Group(相州備前国宗)——– Soshu Bizen Kunimune (国宗)Bizen Osafune Group(長船)——————Bizen Osafune Mitutada(長船光忠) Nagamitsu(長光) Ugai Group————————————————————————- Ugai Unji (鵜飼雲次)

Osafune Nagamitsu(長船長光) From Sano Museum Catalogue (permission granted)

Osafune Mitsutada(長船光忠) Osafune Mitsutada(長船光忠)

Once my family sword. My father did the calligraphy and took these pictures for himself.