Ko-choji – Study of Japanese Sword

November 14, 2019March 1, 2023 Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 67|Part 2 of - - -31|Shin-Shin-To (Bakumatsu Period Sword) 1781-1867, Uncategorized

64| Part 2 of –30 Shin Shin-To : Bakumatsu sword (新々刀)

Chapter 64 is a detailed chapter of 30｜Bakumatsu Period, Shin Shin-to. Please read chapter 30 before reading this chapter.

0-timeline - size 24 Bakumatsu

The circle Above indicates the time we discuss in this chapter.

Swords made between the Tennmei era (天明 1781) and the end of Keio era (慶應) are called Shin Shin-to. Please see the timeline above. It was the time Japan was moving toward the Meiji Restoration. It was the Bakumatsu time. During the time, sword making was active again. Below are the well-known swordsmiths in the main areas.

Musashi no Kuni (武蔵の国: Tokyo today)

Suishinshi Masahide (水心子正秀) ———- When Suishinshi Masahide made Yamashiro Den style swords, the shape was similar to one of the Ko-to time swords; Funbari, elegant shape, Chu-suguha (medium straight), Komaru-boshi, fine wood grain. When he forged the Bizen style, he made a Koshizori shape, just like a Ko-to by Bizen Osafune. Nioi with Ko-choji, and Katai-ha (Refer to 30| Bakumatsu Period Sword 新々刀). I wrote in my sword textbook that I saw Suishinshi in November 1970 and October 1971.

Taikei Naotane (大慶直胤) ————-Although Taikei Naotane was within the Suishinshi group, he was among the top swordsmiths. He had an amazing ability to forge all kinds of different styles of swords wonderfully. When he made a Bizen Den style, it looked like Nagamitsu from the Ko-to time with Nioi. Also, he did Sakasa-choji as Katayama Ichimonji had done. Katai-ha appears. My note on the textbook says that I saw Naotane in August 1971.

Minamoto no Kiyomaro (源清麿) —————— Kiyomaro desired to join the Meiji Restoration movement as a Samurai; still, his guardian realized Kiyomaro’s ability as a great swordsmith and helped him become one. It is said that because Kiyomaro had a drinking problem, he was not so eager to forge swords. At age 42, he committed Seppuku. Kiyomaro, who lived in Yotsuya (a part of Shinjuku, Tokyo, today), was called Yotsuya Masamune because he was as good as Masamune. His swords were wide width, shallow Sori, stretched Kissaki, and Fukura–kareru. Boshi has Komaru-boshi. Fine wood grain Ji-gane.

Settsu no Kuni 摂津の国 (Osaka today )

Gassan Sadakazu (月山貞一) ——- Gassan was good at Soshu Den style and Bizen Den style, but he could make any kinds of style. He was as genius as Taikei Naotane. One needs to pay attention to notice a sword made by Gassan from a real Ko-to. He also had an amazing ability in carving. His hirazukuri-kowakizashi forged in Soshu Den style looks just like a Masamune or a Yukimitsu. He forged the Yamashiro Den style with Takenoko-zori with Hoso-suguha or Chu-suguha in Nie. He also forged the Yamato Den style with Masame-hada.

January 19, 2019May 24, 2021 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, there were three main groups among the Yamashiro Den. They are Ayano-koji (綾小路) group, Awataguchi (粟田口) group, and Rai (来) group.

When we refer to a certain group, we say, “xxx ha”, “xxx ippa “, or “xxx ichimon “. We use those three words interchangeably. They all basically mean a “group”. For example, we say Ayano-koji Ippa, means Ayano-koji group.

Ayano-Koji Ippa (綾小路 )

Sugata (shape) —————- In general, gentle or graceful Kyo-zori shape. The difference between the width of the Yokote line and Machi is not much. The sword is slender yet thick. Small Kissaki
Hi and Engraving ———————- Bohi (one groove) or Futasuji-hi (double grooves)
Hamon ————————– Nie base with Ko-choji (small clove shape) and Ko-midare (small irregular). Small Inazuma (lightning like line) and Kin-zuji (golden streak) may show. Double Ko-choji (two Ko-choji side by side) may appear.
Boshi (tempered line at tip area) ——————Ko-maru (small round), Yakizume (refer to 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 fat feeling
Ayano-Koji swordsmiths–——Ayano-koji Sadatoshi (綾小路定利), Sadanori (定則)

Awataguchi Ichimon (粟田口)

Many swordsmiths from Awataguchi Ichimon (group) received the honor of the Goban Kaji (meaning top swordsmith) from Gotoba Joko (Emperor Gotoba 後鳥羽上皇 ). Their general characteristic is as follows.

Sugata (Shape) ————————————– Elegant shape Torii-zori (or Kyo-zori) shape
Hi and Engraving ————– The tip of Hi comes all the way up and fill in the Ko-shinogi. The end of the Hi can be Maru-dome (the end is round), Kakudome (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 narrow tempered line at the top. Nie base (this is called Nie-hon’i). Straight tempered line mixed with Ko-choji (small clove) or wide straight line mixed with choji. Awataguchi-nie appears. Awataguchi-nie means fine, deep and sharp shiny Nie around tempered line area. Fine Inazuma (lightning-like line) and Kinsuji (golden streak) appear.
Boshi (tempered line at the tip area) ————- Ko-maru (small round) or O-maru (large round). The return is sharrow. Yakizume, Nie Kuzure, and Kaen (flame)

Yakizume 　　　　　O-maru　　　　　Ko-maru　　　 Yakikuzure

Ji-hada ————- Fine Ko-mokume (wood swirls) with Ji-nie. Nie on Ji-hada. Yubashiri, Chikei appears.
Nakago ——————————– Often 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)

A general characteristic of Rai group is as follows. However, each swordsmith has own characteristics.

Sugata (shape) ———— Graceful with dignity. Thick body. Rai made Ikubi Kissaki.
Hi and Engravings ———————— Wide and shallow Hi.
Hamon —————— Nie base. Suguha (straight). Wide Suguha with Ko-midare (small irregular) and Choji (clove). Sometimes large Choji at the lower part and narrow Suguha at the top. Inazuma and Kin-suji appear around Yokote area.
Boshi ———————————— Komaru, Yakizume (refer to the illustration above)
Ji-hada –———– Finely forged Itame (small wood grain) sometimes mixed with Masame (parallel grain). Fine Nie. Rai group sporadically shows Yowai Tetsu (weak surface) which may be the core iron.
Swordsmiths of Rai Ha —— Rai Kuniyuki (来国行), Kunitoshi (国俊), Ryokai (了戒 )

Rai Kunitoshi is said to be Rai Kuniyuki’s son. Ryokai is said to be Rai Kunitoshi ‘s son.

Rai Kuniyuki (来国行）Once my family sword, photo taken by my father with his writing.

Rai Kuniyuki (来国行）Sano Museum Catalogue (佐野美術館) (permission granted)

February 10, 2018May 21, 2021 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 said that the first sword-making started from Yamato province (present Nara prefecture) during the Nara period (710 to 794). In the early sword-making days, their forging techniques were primitive. At that time, a large number of swordsmiths lived in Yamato, yet as time passed, the sword making declined in this area.

At the end of the Kamakura period, several powerful Buddhist temples in the Yamato area had power struggles against each other. Temples had a strong political and military power to control a large territory called Shoen (荘園) with their large number of warrior monks called Sohei (僧兵). The most powerful group was called Nanto Sohei (南都僧兵)*. The groups of Sohei demanded more swords to arm themselves. The high demand for swords from Sohei revitalized the Yamato Den (school) and increased the number of swordsmiths in the Yamato area. As a result, Yamato Den became active again. The Yamato Den style is somewhat similar to that of Yamashiro Den.

*Nanto Sohei (南都僧兵)———Since around the 11th century, Buddhist temples had become powerful under the protection from the Jokos (retired emperors). Those temples had a large number of Sohei (low-level monks who also acted as soldiers). When power struggles started between 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 at the early part of Yamato Den and Yamashiro Den. Shinogi is high. Mune is thin. Some types of Yamato Den have 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 pattern and irregular wavy lines), Ko-midare (小乱: fine irregular wavy lines), Ko-gunome-komidare (小五の目小乱: small continuous half-circles mixed with wavy lines).

The main characteristic of the Yamato Den style sword is Masame (straight grain). Their tempered line often shows Nijyu-ha (double straight lines), Hakikake (tracing of a broom mark), Uchinoke (a crescent-shape line), or combinations of them. See the illustration below. 16 Hamon Yamato

Boshi (鋩子: Tempered line at Kissaki area)———-On the Boshi area, a straight grain Hamon pattern appears. Yakizume or Kaen. (Refer Chapter 12 Middle Kamakura period: Tanto). O-maru, Ko-maru, Nie-kuzure. (Refer 14| Late Kamakura Period: Sword (鎌倉末太刀). See the illustration below.

15 Kaen Ykizume

15 Omaru Komaru Niekuzure

Jihada or Jitetsu (the area between Shinogi and Hamon )——Mostly Masame–hada (straight grain pattern 柾目肌). Fine ji-nie, Chikei, and Yubashiri shows (refer 14 Late Kamakura Period).

16 Masame Hada

Nakago (Hilt)——————Often shows the finishing file pattern as shown below. This is called Higaki Yasuri (檜垣).

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)

16 Shaya Ensou

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

February 4, 2018May 21, 2021 Yurie Endo 遠藤由利江 15|Late Kamakura period

14| Late Kamakura Period Sword (鎌倉末太刀)

0-timeline - size 24 Late Kamakura

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

The beginning of the Soshu style

A new sword style called Soshu Den emerged after the Mongolian invasion in the latter part of the Kamakura period. Kamakura region became prosperous under the rule of the Hojo family (北条). Many swordsmiths moved to Kamakura. Those people were Kunituna (国綱) group from Yamashiro area and Fukuoka Ichimonji Sukezane (福岡一文字助真) and Kunimune (国宗) from Bizen area. They are the origin of Soshu Den (相州伝). A star swordsmith, Goro-Nyudo-Masamune (五郎入道正宗), appeared during this time.

15 Soshu sword with explanation

Shape (Sugata 姿) ——- O–kissaki (large-kissak: 大切先) and Chu-kissaki (medium kissaki: 中切先). The tip of Hi ends lower (see below illustration). Hamaguri– ha was no longer in style. The body became thinner. The original length was approximately 3 feet or longer, but the majority of them were shortened to 2 feet and 3 or 4 inches at a later time. The shortened sword is called O-suriage (大磨上). 15 Kissak shape of 4

14 Hi end lower

Hamon——————–Ｎarrow Hamon and wide Hamon.

Narrow Hamon ——- A mix of Suguha (straight) and Ko-choji (small clove-like pattern), and Ko-gumome (small half-circle like pattern). Small Nie base. (shown below)

10 Nie & Nioi

Wide Hamon———– Notare-midare (wavy), O-gunome. Nie base. Ashi-iri (short line toward the blade, the right drawing below). Inazuma (lightning-like line) or Kinsuji (bright, radiant line) may appear on a tempered line. However, Inazuma and Kinsuji require trained eyes to be detected. It is hard for beginners to notice the Inazuma or Kinsuji.

15 Late Kamakura Soshu Hamon

Boshi————- The main body and Boshi has the same type of Hamon. At the tip of the Kissaki, turn back a little or Yakizume. You may also see O-maru (large round), Ko-maru (small round), Kaen (flame like), or Nie-kuzure. See “Chapter 12 Middle Kamakura period: Tanto” for Yakizume and Kaen.

15 three boshi name

Jihada or Jitetsu (between Shinogi and Tempered line)–—– Strong Ji-nie (地沸) that is the sand-like small dots appears on Ji (between tempered line and Mune). Yubashiri (a cluster of Ji-nie), Kinsuji (bright, radiant line formed by Nie ), Inazuma (a lightning-like irregular line), or Chikei (similar to Kinsuji) appears on Ji-hada.

15 Yubashiri, Chikei, Inazuma

Late Kamakura Period Soshu School Sword Smiths

From Bizen————–Fukuoka Ichimonji Sukezane (福岡一文字助真) Kunimune (国宗 ) From Yamashiro ————————————–Toroku- Sakon- Kunituna (藤六左近国綱)

The above three swordsmiths were the origin of the Soshu Den (school) in Kamakura. Later, Tosaburo-Yukimitu and his son, famous Goro Nyudo Masamune appeared.

More Soshu Den swordsmiths other than above

From Yamashiro (山城)———- Rai Kunitsugu (来国次), Hasebe Kunishige (長谷部国重) From Etchu (越中) province ———————Gou- no-Yoshihiro (郷義弘) Norishige (則重) From Mino (美濃) province ——————————————-Kaneuji (兼氏) Kinjyu (金重) From Chikuzen (筑前) province —————————————————-Samoji (左文字)

14 masamune1 14 Masamune Hamon

Goro-Nyudo-Masamune(正宗) Sano Museum Catalogue (佐野美術館図録) Permission granted Since Masamune lived in a beach town, Kamakura, his hamon style sometimes looks like ocean waves.

14 Masamune, Yoshioka Ichimonji Endo.jpg 1

Once owned by my family

January 13, 2018June 6, 2021 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 war of Jokyu-no-Ran (Chapter 10), the sword’s trend changed to a wider, sturdier, and grander style. The swords made around this time are called Ikubi-kissaki. Ikubi means a wild boar’s neck. Ikubi-kissaki style swords have a stout kissaki that looks like the boar’s neck.

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

IkubiKissakiSword 12 Ikubi Kissaki sword style

SUGATA (shape) ——–— Originally 3 feet or longer, therefore it is often shortened in later time. Wide width, thick Kasane (thick body) with Hamaguri-ha (蛤刃). Hamaguri-ha means the sword’s cross-section is shaped like a clam (see below). The difference in the width between the Yokote line area and Machi is minimal. Shinogi (鎬) is high, and shinogi width is 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 looking. 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 pattern), a mix of O-choji and Ko-choji, or Suguha-choji. Suguha-choji has a straight line mixed with Choji pattern (clove-shape).

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 kissaki, no turn back.Sansaku Boshi: The hamon narrows at the yokote line, created by Nagamitsu (長光), Kagemitsu (景光), and Sanenaga (真長). See the below for Yakizume and Sansaku Boshi.

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)

11 nagamitsu 1 11 Nagamitsu drawing Osafune Nagamitsu(長船長光) From Sano Museum Catalogue (permission granted)

Osafune Mitsutada(長船光忠) Osafune Mitsutada(長船光忠) *Were family sword　This photo was taken by my father and writings on the white paper were written by him.