-, 68th Session — Designated November 2, 2022
, : Hidemitsu (秀光)
Measurements 71.2 cm, 1.7 cm, 2.8 cm, 1.85 cm, 3.0 cm, 19.8 cm
Description Keijo: , ; standard with little difference between base and tip widths; standard thickness; with additional curvature toward the tip; . : mixed with , overall tightly forged; fine adhering; frequent ; appears. : A mid basis mixed with , , and angular ; places show a reverse tendency; frequent and , with intermingled; the tends toward tightness and is ; gathers at the hamoto; within the temper there appear faint, -like lines of ; enters; the is bright and clear. : ; on the it turns back in , and on the it shows a slightly pointed tendency; in both, the return is short. : None. : uekiri tip; file marks; three ; on the , above the third (the original hole) and close to the side, there is a long signature.
Artisan Hidemitsu
Era Late period
Explanation According to the reference works on signatures, Hidemitsu is treated as a lineage beginning with a first generation active in the Kenmu era, followed thereafter by smiths of the name in the , Shitoku, and Ōei eras—four generations in all. However, a rigorous separation of these generations remains a matter that must await further research. This blade, judging from its workmanship and from the surviving dated examples by this line, corresponds to a swordsmith active in the closing phase of the period.
In form, the blade has a standard width with little conspicuous taper from the base to the tip; it shows with somewhat more curvature toward the tip and concludes in , thus presenting the style of the late period. The is mixed with , tightly forged, with fine and frequent , displaying an excellent forging, and is evident. The , based on mid , mixes and shows a reverse tendency, closely resembling the manner of the neighboring school. Above all, the bright and clear, vigorous throughout the and is especially appealing, and this sword stands out as an outstanding work by this smith.
by (伊藤)
