-, 44th Session — Designated November 12, 1998
, : Naoe (直江志津)
Measurements 69.5 cm, 1.7 cm, 3.0 cm, 2.4 cm, 4.6 cm, 17.5 cm, 0.1 cm
Description Keijō: , ; wide with little difference between base and tip; despite being greatly shortened (), the curvature is relatively high; . : with a flowing tendency () intermingled; thickly formed with . : Small -toned with mixed in; the is deep, adheres well, with and , and appearing; the is bright and clear (). : Gently and turns back in . : On both sides, a carved through (). : Greatly shortened (), tip cut (); file marks are ; two , one plugged; unsigned.
Artisan Naoe group (Naoe -mono)
Era period
Explanation In the region of Province, Kaneshibu (兼氏)—counted among Masamune’s so-called “Ten Disciples”—came and settled, and his line flourished. Later, however, his pupils Kanetomo, Kanetsugu, Kaneshige, Kanenobu, and others moved to Naoe in the province and forged there. For this reason, the swordsmiths of this lineage are generally referred to as “Naoe .”
This sword is greatly shortened and unsigned; nevertheless, the and are richly covered with , and it shows a flowing-tinged forging with . The temper is a calm, gentle interpretation in small mixed with , displaying such activities as , , and . The is gently and returns in . Taken as a whole, it manifests a composed and unperturbed air, and is a typical example of Naoe ; moreover, both and are clear () and in (sound and well-preserved) condition.
