Japanese Wakizashi Inaba No Kuni Ju Kanesaki Edo Period Kanbun Era 1661

Kanesaki Wakizashi - NBTHK Hozon Certificate

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Signed: Inaba No Kuni Ju Kanesaki ( Sandai 3rd Generation)
(Inaba also called Inshu)

(Edo Period - 寛文 Kanbun Era 1661 AD )

NBTHK HOZON CERTIFICATE # 3004845
A sword designated as Worthy of Conservation by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword.
It must be stressed that this is no small task to achieve. It is not uncommon for a sword dealer to submit ten swords for judgement and only receive two HOZON swords

Fujishiro Ranking : Jo Saku (Superior made)

According to W.M. Hawley,
Fujishiro Shoten indicates, period Kanbun (1661-1673)

Blade is polished

Nagasa (Length): 44.7 cm
Sori (Curvature) : 1.1 cm
Mekugi: 1
Width at hamachi: 3.05 cm
Width at kissaki: 2.2 cm
Saki Kasane: 4.5 mm
Jigane:
Hamon: Gunome

Koshirae:
#1 Tsuba : Maru gata Iron .Bridge, tree, mountains, boats. Edo Period

#2 Tsuba : Wakizashi currently dressed with Dragon coiling through waves. Mokka Gata, Mino school, Shakudo inlay- gold, silver. Edo Period
To purchase this superb Dragon in Waves Tsuba; an additional $950
Fuchi kashira: Dragon in clouds
Menuki: Shakudo - Gold Dragon

Saya:. Black Lacquer

Shirasaya:

A$9,500

The line of swordsmiths named Kanesaki originated in Koto times coming from Seki and followed the Mino tradition of swordmaking that was preeminent at that time.
During the Tensho era (1573- 1591) the head of the family moved to Inaba province (Inshu) and founded the so-called “Inshu Kanesaki” line of swordsmiths.
He moved from Mino province to Tottori province and served the Ikeda Clan, who ruled the Tottori prefecture (Tottori domain) for about 240 years.
He forged swords near Tottori castle. Tottori prefecture is located in western Japan .
The Ikeda Clan was one of the most powerful feudal lines in that region, it was a privilege to work for the feudal family, only highly skilled swordsmiths were entitled to this honour.
The swordsmith name’s Kanesaki (a total of 11th generations) lasted until the end of the Edo period when feudal society turned to modern society, and the Samurai government lost their authority.
This wakizashi was made by the Sandai 3rd generation Kanesaki 兼先, of Inshu the swordsmiths real name Heki Hyou'mon 日置兵右衛.
He was the son Hioki Suemon Kanesaki, the Nidai (2nd Generation) the grandson of the Kanesaki that moved from Seki to Inaba.
Many of his swords were tempered in gunome although he also made some in suguha. He was the most prolific of the Inshu Kanesaki line and was active in the Kanbun era 1661 .
The Mino swordsmiths style, also known as Mino-Den, basically has the TogarI (Pointed shapes protruding from the Hamon )in a classic straight line and random temper line with some white Utsuri
Mino-Den had its origin from Yamato-Den in the late Kamakura Period(1280-1330). It flourished in the Muromachi Period(1333-1573) and continued until the Edo Period(1603-1868).

Mino-Den prospered greatly during Sengoku Jidai (Warring State period) due to the high demand for weapons. The location of Mino province was ideal for the manufacture and supply of swords.
Akechi Mitsuhide controlled Mino province, Nobunaga Oda ruled Owari province, and Tokugawa Ieyasu was the lord of Suruga (Neighboring areas). There was high demand from those powerful feudal lords and their retainers. Many wars occurred between the Kanto region and the Kyoto area.

Mino is located in the middle, making it convenient for the feudal lords to order swords from Mino-Den.
The blades forged in Mino Province also had the reputation of its practical design and sharpness.
Many feudal lords demanded swords forged in the Mino Province.
The tradition of excellent sword forging skills were passed on to the Edo period, Kanesaki school swords were an excellent example of this.

This superb sword was first registered. Showa 51st year - 1976. 3rd month. 10 day.
An indication that is was in the possession of the former owners for generations, passed down as a family heirloom.