Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 52| Part 2 of ---17| Late Kamakura Period Tanto(Early Soshu Den), Uncategorized

50|Part 2 of –16 Late Kamakura Period: Tanto (Early Soshu-Den 鎌倉末短刀, 正宗墓)

Chapter 50 is a detailed part of  Chapter 16, Late Kamakura Period Tanto (Early Soshu-Den).  Please read Chapter 16 before this section.

0-timeline - size 24 Late Kamakura

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

In  Chapter 16, Late Kamakura Period Tanto (Early Soshu-Den), the general features of the late Kamakura period tanto style (early Soshu-den) are described.  The following two photos show the typical characteristics of early Soshu-den tanto.

Masamune

Goro Nyudo Masamune (五郎入道正宗) was born in Kamakura as the son of Tosaburo Yukimitu (藤三郎行光).  Today, Masamune is a well-known swordsmith, even among those unfamiliar with Japanese swords.  His father, Tosaburo Yukimitsu, was also among the top swordsmiths in early Soshu-den.  Masamune’s tomb is located at Honkaku-ji (本覚寺) Temple, about a 6-minute walk from Kamakura Station. 

Goro Nyudo Masamune (五郎入道正宗) Sano Museum Catalog （permission granted)

Masamune photo (above) —– Hira-zukuri (flat).  Sakizori is very slightly curved (the tip area curves slightly outward).  Bo-hi and tsure-hi (parallel thin grooves).  Komaru-boshi.  Itame-hada (wood grain pattern).  The Hamon is notare (wavy).  The illustration above shows sunagashi and niju-ba (double hamon).  This type of nakago is called tanago-bara.  The Masamune tanto is often mu-mei (unsigned). This particular tanto is called Komatsu Masamune (小松政宗).  The catalog from the Sano Museum’s description stated that connoisseurs in the past had difficulty determining this as a Masamune sword.  Because the wide mihaba with sori and hamon slightly differed from those of another Masamune.  Judging from the clear nie, chikei, and kinsuji, it was determined to be a Masamune tanto.

Enju Photo below

               Higo Province Enju Kunisuke from Sano Museum Catalog (permission granted)

The Enju (延寿) group lived in Higo (肥後) Province on Kyushu.  The characteristics of the Enju group closely resemble those of the Yamashiro-den because Enju Kunimura was related to Rai Kuniyuki, a member of the Yamashiro-den.

Enju (photo above) —-Hamon is hoso-suguha (straight temper line).  The boshi is komaru.  The front engraving is suken (above left photo, left side), and the engraving on the back is gomabashi (left photo, right side).  Tight itame ji-hada.  It can be confusing to kantei (determine who made the sword) a sword like this because, although it is from the late Kamakura period, it does not have the typical early Soshu-den appearance.

Masamune’s Tomb in Honkaku-ji Temple

Masamune’s (正宗) tomb is located inside Honkaku-ji Temple (本覚寺) in Kamakura.  Here is a map of Honkaku-ji Temple and the Masamune Kogei store in Kamakura.  The store is owned by Tsunahiro Yamamura, the 24th generation of Masamune.  Honkaku-ji Temple is circled on the map, and the Masamune Kogei store is a red circle with an X.  Both are about a 6 to 7-minute walk from Kamakura Station. 

To reach to Honkaku-Ji Temple from Tokyo                                                                           Take the Yokosuka Line train from Tokyo Station (approx. one hour) → Get off at Kamakura Station (one stop after Kita-Kamakura) → Exit through the East Exit (front exit) → Walk straight and cross the street → Turn right and walk to the post office → Turn left at the post office (Honkaku-ji Temple sign is at the corner of the post office)

From Kamakura Tourist map

52 Honnkakuji 2 54 large Masamune monument only

52 Honkakuji 54 Small Masamune tomb only

Honkakuji Temple (本覚寺) and Masamune Tomb (正宗墓 )

Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 51| Part 2 of ----- 16 The Revival of Yamato-Den, Uncategorized

49| Part 2 of — 15 The Revival of Yamato Den (大和伝復活)

This chapter is a detailed part of Chapter 15, Revival of Yamato Den.  Please read Chapter 15 before reading this section.

0-timeline - size 24 Late Kamakura                          The red circle above indicates the time we discuss in this section

At the end of the Kamakura period, powerful temples expanded their territories in the Yamato region.  Refer to the map below for the location of the Yamato region.  Several prominent temples, especially those with large territories, held political and military power to control the area at the end of the Kamakura period.  These large territories were called shoen (荘園).  They employed many monk soldiers known as so-hei.  The demand for swords increased because of the rising number of Sohei (僧兵).  This increased demand revived the Yamato–den.  

Some prominent temples had their own swordsmiths within their territories. Todaiji Temple (東大寺) supported the Tegai (手掻) sword group.  The Senjuin (千手院) sword group lived near Senju-do (千手堂), where Senju Kannon (千手観音) is enshrined.  The Taima sword group originated from the Taima-ji Temple (当麻寺).  The Shikkake group (尻懸) and the Hosho group (保昌) were also part of the Yamato-den sword groups.  These five groups are known as Yamato Goha (the Yamato five groups).

51 Japan map Yamato

General Characteristic of Yamato Den

The Yamato-den (大和伝) sword always shows masame (柾目: straight grain-like pattern) somewhere on the ji-hada, ji-gane, or hamon.  Refer to Chapter 15, Revival of Yamato Den.   Masame is sometimes mixed with mokume (burl-like pattern) or itame (wood-grain-like pattern).  Either way, Yamato-den always shows masame somewhere.  Some swords display masame across the entire blade, while others show less.  Because of the masame, the hamon often shows sunagashi (a brush stroke-like pattern) or a double line called niju-ha.

Taima (or Taema) group (当麻)

  • Shape ———————– Middle Kamakura period style and Ikubi-kissaki style    
  • Hamon ———–Mainly medium Suguha.  Double Hamon.  Suguha mixed with Choji.  Often shows Inazuma and Kinsuji, especially Inazuma appear under the Yokote line.
  • Boshi ————————- Often Yakizume.  Refer Yakizume on 15| The Revival of Yamato Den（大和伝復活）
  • Ji-hada ——————– Small wood grain pattern and well-kneaded surface.  At the top part of the sword, the wood grain pattern becomes Masame.

Shikkake Group (尻懸)  

  • Shape —————- Late Kamakura period shape. Refer 14| Late Kamakura Period: Sword (鎌倉末太刀) 
  • Hamon ————————- Mainly Nie (we say Nie-hon’i).  Medium frayed Suguha, mixed with small irregular and Gunome (half-circle pattern).  A double-lined, brush-stroke-like Pattern may appear.  Small Inazuma and Kinsuji may also be shown.      
  • Boshi ———————— Yakizume, Hakikake (bloom trace like pattern) and Ko-maru (small round)     
  • Ji-hada ———- Small burl mixed with Masame.  The Shikkake group sometimes shows Shikkake-hada (the Ha side shows Masame, and the mune side shows burl.)

Tegai Group ( 手掻 )

  • Shape —— Early Kamakura style with thick Kasane (body).  High Shinogi.  Koshizori.
  • Hamon ————- Narrow tempered line with medium Suguha hotsure (frayed Suguha).   Mainly Nie.   Double tempered line.  Inazuma and Kinsuji may show.                                                                 
  • Boshi ————————————— Yakizume (no turn back), Kaen (flame-like).   
  • Ji-Hada ————————————————— Fine burl mixed with Masame. 

51 Kanenaga photo Yamato51 Kanenaga ilustration Yamato

Tegai Kanenaga of Yamato.  From the Sano Museum Catalogue (permission granted).   The illustration (called Oshigata) shows notare (wave-like hamon) and suguha-hotsure (frayed suguha pattern) with kinsuji.

My Yamato sword： Acquired at the Annual San Francisco Swords Show.

Characteristics: Munei (shortened and without signature).  Yamato-den, Tegai-ha (Yamato school Tegai group).  Length is two shaku, two sun, eight &1/2 bu (27 1/4 inches), small kissaki and funbari. Hamon： Niju-ba, Sunagashi.  Boshi: Yakizume.  Ji-hada: Itame with masame, Nie-hon’i .                                                                                                                                     

My Yamato sword

The full view of the sword and Kantei-sho (NBTHK Certification). “Tokubetsu Hozon Token”.

My Yamato sword 5

My Yamato sword 4

My Yamato sword.jpg 2

My sword: acquired at Dai Token Ichi (大刀剣市)Bizen Osafune Tomomitsu (備前長船倫光) Length: 2 feet 4 inches,  Shape: Shinogi zukuri,  Hada:itame midare-utsuri, Hamon: konotare gunome choji

Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 9| «Part 2» Middle Kamakura Period Yamashiro Den, Uncategorized

41| Part 2 of — 8 Middle Kamakura Period: Yamashiro Den 鎌倉中期山城伝

This chapter is a detailed part of Chapter 8| Middle Kamakura Period –Yamashiro Den（鎌倉中期山城伝).   Please read Chapter 8 before reading this chapter.

0-timeline - size 24 Middle Kamakura

　　　　 　The red circle indicates the time we discuss in this section

During the middle Kamakura period, the Yamashiro–den consisted of 3 main groups: the Ayano-koji (綾小路) group, the Awataguchi (粟田口) group, and the Rai (来) group.

When referring to a specific group, we use terms like “xxx ha,” “xxx ippa,” or “xxx ichimon.”   We use these three terms interchangeably.  They all mean “group.”   For example, when we say “Ayano-koji ippa,” we refer to the Ayano-koji group.

Ayano-koji Ippa (綾小路)

Sugata (shape) —————–Generally, a gentle or graceful kyo-zori shape.  The difference in width between the yokote line and the machi is minimal.  The sword is slender, yet thick, with a small kissaki.                                                                                                                      　　　

Hi and Engraving ———————– Bo-hi (single groove) or futasuji-hi (double grooves) 

Hamon ——————— Nie base with ko-choji (small clove shape) and ko-midare (small irregular).  Small inazuma (lightning-like lines) and kinsuji (golden streaks) may be present.   Double ko-choji (two ko-choji side by side) may appear.   

Boshi (tempered line at the kissaki area) ———————– Ko-maru (small round), yakizume (see the illustration below ), and kaen (flame-like pattern)   

Ji-hada —————– Small wood grain with a little masame (straight grain).  Ji-nie shows. 

Nakago (hilt) ———————— Long, slightly thick feel  

Ayano-koji Ippa swordsmiths ———-Ayano-koji Sadatoshi (綾小路定利)  Sadanori (定則）        

Awataguchi Ichimon (粟田口)

Many swordsmiths from the Awataguchi Ichimon (or Awataguchi group) were honored as the Goban Kaji (the top swordsmith) by Gotoba Joko, Emperor Gotoba (後鳥羽上皇).  Their general characteristics are as follows.

Sugata (Shape) ————————- Elegant torii-zori (or kyo-zori) shape.     

Hi and Engraving ————– The tip of the hi extends all the way up and fills in the ko-shinogi.   The end of the hi can be maru-dome (the end is round), kaku-dome (the end is square), or kakinagashi.

 

9 «part 2» 大小丸,焼詰,丸角止, 掻流   　　

              Maru-dome (rounded end)             Kaku-dome (square)          Kakinagashi

  • Hamon ———— The slightly wider tempered line at the bottom, then it becomes narrower at the top.  Nie base (called Nie-hon’i).  A straight tempered line mixed with ko-choji (small cloves) or a wide straight line combined with choji.  Awataguchi-nie appears.  Awataguchi-nie, which refers to a fine, deep, sharp, shiny nie that appears around the tempered line area. Fine inazuma (lightning-like lines) and kinsuji (golden streaks) emerge.

  • Boshi (tempered line at the tip area) —————— Ko-maru (small round)  and/or O-maru (large round).   The return is sharrow.  Yakizume, Nie Kuzure, and Kaen (flame)9-«part-2»-大小丸焼詰丸角止-掻流-1-e1547925390685.jpg

       Yakizume 　　　　　O-maru　　　　　Ko-maru　　     　 Yakikuzure

  • Ji-hada ————– Fine ko-mokume (wood swirls) with ji-nie.  Ji-nie is nie on ji-hada. Yubashiri and/or chikei appear.                                                                               
  • Nakago ——————————– Often featuresa two-letter inscription
  • Names of Awataguchi swordsmiths —– Awataguchi Kunitomo (粟田口国友 ),  Hisakuni (久国), Kuniyasu (国安),  Kuniyasu (国安), Kunikiyo (国清)

 Rai Ha (来)

The general characteristics of the Rai group are as follows.  However, each swordsmith has their own unique traits.

Sugata (shape) ——– Graceful and dignified.  Thick body.  Rai forged Ikubi Kissaki.         Hi and Engravings ————————- Wide and shallow hi.                                      Hamon ————————- Nie base.  Suguha (straight).  Wide suguha with ko-midare (small irregular) and choji (cloves).  Sometimes, there is a large choji at the lower part and a narrow suguha at the top.  Inazuma and Kinsuji appear around the yokote area.      Boshi ————————————- Komaru, yakizume (see the illustration above)            Ji-hada ——————— Finely forged itame (small wood grain).  Sometimes mixed with masame (parallel grain).  Fine nie.  Rai group’s swords occasionally show yowai tetsu (weak surface), which may be the core iron.    

Rai Ha swordsmiths———————- Rai Kuniyuki (来国行),  Rai Kunitoshi (来国俊) or Niji Kunitoshi (二字国俊),  Ryokai (了戒 ).  Rai Kunitoshi is said to be the son of Rai Kuniyuki. Ryokai is said to be the son of Rai Kunitoshi.

img017

    Rai Kuniyuki (来国行）Once my family sword, photo taken by my father with his  writing.    
9 «part 2» Rai Kuniyuki photo.jpg       Rai Kuniyuki hamon
 
Rai Kuniyuki (来国行）Sano Museum Catalogue (佐野美術館)  (permission granted)

Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 20 Nanboku-Cho Tanto, Uncategorized

19 | Nanboku-Cho Period Tanto（南北朝短刀）

0-timeline - size 24 Nanboku-cho
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