日本刀 刀剣 短刀 銘 大和大掾兼重 日本美術刀剣保存協会(NBTHK) 保存刀剣鑑定書付

附属品

NBTHK Hozon Certificate, Koshirae Case (Decorative Sword Mounting), Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Bag, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

Category

Tanto (SHINTO)

Age

From the early to mid-Edo period

Location

Unknown

反り

0 cm (0 inches)

登録証

Tokyo 254389

販売店の記載のまま

Summary This sword bears the signature of Yamato Daijō Kaneshige(大和大掾兼重). It is difficult to determine exactly which Kaneshige forged this blade, as several swordsmiths used that name. Based on available evidence and what NBTHK informed us, this piece may have been made by a Kaneshige who was active in the early-mid Edo period. The use of the character “兼” (Kane) in the name suggests that the swordsmith may have belonged to the Mino tradition, a well-known school of sword-making characterized by its practical and robust style. The swordsmiths of Mino province, known for their unwavering dedication and exceptional craftsmanship, developed a unique sword-forging tradition called Mino-den (美濃伝). This tradition was characterized by togari-ba (pointed shapes protruding from the hamon), a classic straight temper line, and a midare-ba (irregular temper pattern) sometimes accompanied by a whitish utsuri. Mino-den originated from Yamato-den in the late Kamakura period (1280–1330) and flourished throughout the Nanbokuchō and Muromachi periods (1333–1573), continuing its legacy well into the Edo period (1603–1868). The evolution and endurance of Mino-den stand as a testament to the skill and artistry of its swordsmiths. Mino-den reached its peak during the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States period, 1467-1590), when the demand for weapons surged. The province’s strategic location gave it a competitive edge—Akechi Mitsuhide controlled Mino, Oda Nobunaga ruled neighboring Owari, and Tokugawa Ieyasu governed Suruga. These powerful feudal lords and their retainers required a steady supply of weapons. Additionally, Mino was geographically positioned between the Kantō region and Kyoto, making it a convenient hub for sword orders. The blades produced in Mino were renowned for their practical design and exceptional sharpness, further solidifying the province’s reputation as a premier center for sword production. The highly refined craftsmanship has passed to the Edo period as well and many of the swordsmiths in Mino moved to other parts of Japan for other opportunities. Kaneshige is thought to have been one of them. This blade is appraised as a Hozon Touken (保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai: 日本美術刀剣保存協会). *Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu on this blade. Fuchi-Kashira The design of this fuchi kashira features features a horse depicted alongside bellflowers (桔梗, kikyo) and chrysanthemums (菊, kiku), both of which are part of the Aki no Nanakusa—the Seven Flowers of Autumn in Japanese tradition. Aki no Nanakusa (秋の七草), or the Seven Flowers of Autumn, are a group of traditional Japanese wildflowers that have been celebrated in poetry and art since ancient times. Unlike the Seven Herbs of Spring, which are edible and associated with health and nourishment, the autumn flowers are appreciated purely for their beauty and poetic symbolism. Tsuka and Menuki The menuki (hilt ornaments) on this sword depict a mounted warrior holding a naginata (polearm), likely representing a prominent military figure from ancient China. One of the most famous Chinese generals known for wielding a naginata is Guan Yu, a legendary hero from the late Eastern Han to the Three Kingdoms period. He is traditionally depicted riding a red hare horse and wielding the massive Green Dragon Crescent Blade (青龍偃月刀, known in Chinese as Qinglong Yanyue Dao), which is said to have weighed 82 jin—approximately 18 kilograms by the standards of that era. Due to the similarities in appearance and armament, the figure on the menuki may have been modeled after Guan Yu. Tsuba and Habaki The surface of this Tsuba is decorated with the Ishime-Ji (石目地). Its base was hit by Tagane (鏨, chisel for metalworking), and it makes a rough surface that seems stone. Kozuka The kozuka (small utility knife) also features a depiction of a warrior on horseback, likely representing Guan Yu riding his legendary Red Hare. Among the more than 500 heroes featured in the historical epic “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, Guan Yu stands out as one of the most famous and revered figures. He is celebrated not only for his martial prowess and loyalty, but also for his enduring legacy in Chinese and East Asian culture. Saya This saya features a decorative lacquer technique known as Fuemaki-nuri (笛巻塗). The name literally means “flute-wrap lacquer” and refers to a style in which thin cords or string are wrapped around the scabbard before being coated with multiple layers of lacquer. After drying, the surface is polished, creating a textured, ridged pattern that resembles the wrapping of a traditional Japanese flute (笛, fue). *Please keep in mind that there are some area where you can see the restoration work. Authentication Paper They authenticated the blade on January 17th in the 3rd year of Heisei (1991). They appraised it as Hozon Touken, the blade worth preserving for Japanese society.