Ubu, signed and dated 15th c. wakizashi, Mino Kanetsune. A masterpiece. In original Edo koshirae.

Marius · Monday at 03:17 PM

Those who know me, know also that I don't use words like "masterpiece" lightly. But this is what we are dealing with here.

Let us start with the basics:

Nagasa: 49.6cm
(Rest of measurements later, but it's a very healthy blade)

Hamon: nioi deki, suguha with one instance of togari

Mei: “… ju Kanetsune”), likely originally “Noshu ju Kanetsune” – Kanetsune from Mino
Date inscription: Kansho 2 nen 2 gatsu nichi – February 1461)

FEATURES of the blade

On the face of it, it's an ordinary sword. But upon closer look you see great features:

1. Hamon, which is a suguha with an instance of togari, looks in several places as if made of nie. But these are kinsuji within the nioiguchi. They also appear in the boshi on the ura side.

2. Fantastic double utsuri: a clear straight line appears near the temper line, while a more diffuse, cloud-like utsuri emerges closer to the shinogi. This double-layered utsuri effect is rare and a beauty to behold

3. As can be expected, the sword just so glitters with dense ji-nie

Remarks:

1. Although the chisel work of the signature is quite crude, this is not unusual for Mino smiths, who sometimes had a child-like writing. Also there are very few examples by Kanetsune from the Kanshō era. Thus, comparison material is hard to find, to say the least.

2. Needless to say, it is nearly impossible (for me) to capture the usturi in my photos. Same goes for boshi. Apologies, will work on that. Utsuri must be seen in hand - it is wonderful.

KOSHIRAE:

Fuchi-kashira: Decorated with a peacock motif (the king of birds, ; kashira shows minor damage.
Menuki: Peony (botan)
Tsuba: Iron plate with shakudo fukurin, decorated with a tiger in bamboo.
Kozuka: Dragon

Habaki: Solid silver, cat scratch design

The koshirae, while not daimyō quality, is original and unmolested. It was made Edo-period koshirae, likely in the 18th or 19th century. The lacquer work is of high quality, and so is the silk tsuka-ito, which appears to have been rewrapped in the 20th century.

The koshirae is rich in symbolism strongly connected to royal, divine, and protective forces in Japanese (and broader East Asian) culture. Each of the motifs – the peacock, peony, tiger, and dragon – carries a specific meaning, but together they form a powerful whole.

Peacock (Kujaku)

In the esoteric branches of Japanese Buddhism, the peacock symbolizes purification, protection, and the ability to transform evil or poison into enlightenment. The Peacock King (Kujaku Myōō) is a protective figure endowed with compassion and spiritual power. The peacock is associated with a higher spiritual order and rare elegance.

Peony (Botan)

Often referred to as the “king of flowers,” the peony symbolizes wealth, honor, masculinity, and refined strength. When paired with other motifs such as lions or tigers, the peony emphasizes the balance between power and beauty. It is a typical motif in samurai art, conveying status and cultural sophistication.

Tiger (Tora)

The tiger is the "king of beasts". It represents raw strength, fearlessness, and the wild, untamed spirit of the warrior. It embodies martial courage and natural dominance. When paired with the dragon, it often symbolizes the cosmic balance between opposing forces.

Dragon (Ryū)

The dragon is perhaps the most powerful imperial symbol in East Asian culture. It represents divine power, dominion over the heavens and water, and immortality. In Japan, the dragon symbolizes not only might but also wisdom and spiritual transcendence.

Phew, now that was a write up

This sword is yours for:

EUR 3,000 + shipping (~EUR 40 to EU or US).