Type: Katana (Mumei, attributed to the Echizen Seki School)

Item No.: ujka014

Swordsmith: Unknown

Period: Kanbun Era, Shinto Period (1661~1673)

Location: Mino province (modern-day Gifu prefecture)

Length: 69.4cm (2-shaku, 3-sun)

Mekugi: 1

Certification: NBTHK Hozon

Hamon: Ko-notare with Midare-ba, Gunome

Included: Silk brocade carry bag, sword maintenance kit, sword stand, plus a copy of the book Bushido: The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe

The blade is classic Early Edo period standard length of two shaku, 3 sun (pronounced ‘soon’). When it is held it feels even longer than 70cm.

Recognized straight away as “Kanbun Shinto,” this sword sports a typical style in between 1644 and 1680. Kanbun Shinto is long and slightly curved and it tapers off wonderfully. Notice how the difference in width between the base (moto-haba) and the tip (saki-haba) is significant. Its Jigane (body) is finely dense which showing off its robust character.

The point of the sword (kissaki) is short and small, reminiscent of great early Kamakura period swords. The slightly wavy hamon (temperline) is simply gorgeous. The actual koshirae (mountings) are from the Meiji and Edo period (more than 100 years old) giving this sword a real sense of age and wisdom.

The black lacquer saya’s tip is reinforced with a metal clasp to be used as an attacking weapon when lunging at one’s opponent. This is one impressive sword that blends art and power in perfect balance.

Unique Japan is able to ship swords from Japan to countries all over the world.   All legal exportation paperwork is included with every purchase.  Please allow about 4 weeks for us to process and ship an order from Japan.  Dealers welcome.