J-Dubb627

Actually it’s probably Shinto after looking at the close up pictures you posted

Looks late Muromachi or early Edo to me but hard to tell for sure. Nice piece and what a steal for just a couple hundred bucks!

I would agree with the sentiment of steering clear of this sword.

Hello everyone, I’m reaching out to the community in hopes of gathering any documented information regarding a sword that was reportedly gifted by Matsudaira Tadanao (the daimyo of Echizen and grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu) to Nishio Munetsugu following the Siege of Osaka (Summer Campaign, 1615). According to some sources, Munetsugu claimed the head of Sanada Yukimura and presented it to Ieyasu. Although Ieyasu reportedly scolded him for boasting, Munetsugu was ultimately rewarded with increased land holdings (1,800 koku) and a sword said to have been gifted by Tadanao. I am currently researching this episode in depth and would appreciate: Any references in Japanese or English sources Suggestions for where this gift may have been recorded (clan records, daimyo archives, Edo-period texts, etc.) Any known swords in circulation (especially signed Yamato Daijō Fujiwara Masanori) that might be associated with this historical moment If anyone has come across mentions of this story in historical records, NBTHK notes, Japanese publications, or has insights into the relationship between Masanori and Tadanao, I would love to hear from you. Thanks in advance for your time and any leads!

@Ben-W the picture of the sword you posted looks beautiful. While no two swords are exactly alike, yours does appear to look slightly different than mine. Just based on the photo, it looks like your blade width is wider and the curvature to your blade is straighter than mine, although that does not rule out that our swords were made by the same Smith. The place in Tokyo where I purchased my sword said that the certificates don’t always state what generation when there are Smiths with the same name. They did, however, say that if it is a later generation then the certificate sometimes would be marked with Kodai (meaning late generation).

No, mine is first gen Masanori

@Ben-W Thanks for all of the information you shared! Here is some information (matches alot of what you said) that I have on him. My blade is from the first generation Masanori and I, too, have wondered if it had any involvement in the Siege of Osaka Castle. This blade was forged by Yamato Daijyo Fijiwara Masanori(大和大掾藤原正則), who was born in Miyatsu city, Tango koku (northern Koyoto prefecture). Based on his remaining work, he was active during the early Edo period (the 13th year of Keisho-the fourth year of Keian:1608-1651). Masanori is famous for having forged extremely sharp blades and was popular among high-class Samurai. It is said that he was a descendant of Yamashiro koku Sanjyo Yoshinori(山城国三条吉則), one of the most famous swordsmiths during the Muromachi period（Prior to Edo period).After learning the sword-forging technique from his father, Norimitsu(則光) in Miyatsu city, Norimitsu, he moved to Kyoto city. Masanori eventually was noticed and supported by Matsudaira Hideyasu, the third son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo government. Hideysu was the feudal lord of Echizen province during the early Edo period. He then moved to Echizen province to serve the Matsudaira clan. He became an Okakaekaji for Matsudaira Tadanao(松平忠直), who was the first son of Matsudaira Hideyasu. An Okakaekaji means those who exclusively forged swords for specific Samurai or clan. It was honorable for any makers to serve this position back then. He also received an official title of Yamato Daijyo from the emperor for his excellent craftsmanship.

Thanks for sharing this. It’s hard to find good info about this particular smith, but I’m so intrigued to learn more about him. I have learned her exclusively forged for the Matsudaira specifically Matsudaira Tadanao. Wish there was more info about him!

I own this beautiful katana from the early Edo period signed by Yamato Daijo Fujiwara Masanori (appraised as Tokobetsu Hozon). I can’t, however, find much information about him as a swordsmith. I know he forged for the Matsudaira clan but I would like to know more about him. Does anyone have any information or references? Thank you!