Description
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
Comes with kimono or cotton bag. Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto. Comes with original prefecture certificate. Comes with NBTHK Tokobetsu hozon.
Signature, Date and Attribution
This exceptional katana is signed 越前国住包則 (Echizen no Kuni-jū Kanenori) and dated 寛永六年 (Kan’ei 6, year 1629). It is therefore a confirmed work by Kanenori of the Kan’ei period, one of the most valued representatives of the Mino-den tradition in Echizen during the early Edo period.
Both the signature and the date are clearly preserved on the original ubu nakago and have been officially authenticated by the NBTHK, earning this sword the prestigious Tokubetsu Hozon Token certificate (no. 1023555), awarded only to works of exceptional historical and artistic value.
Blade Analysis
Type: Katana
Nagasa (blade length): 76.4 cm
Sori (curvature): 1.0 cm
Hamon: Wide notare-midare (irregular undulating) pattern, with rich internal activity including nie, yubashiri, and delicate traces of kinsuji, visible throughout the blade.
Jihada: A beautiful combination of mokume and masame forging, clearly visible thanks to a high-quality polish that reveals a lively and refined steel texture.
Bōshi: Continuation of the undulating hamon, with a neatly defined and balanced kaeri.
Nakago: Ubu (unaltered), with two mekugi-ana, deeply signed and dated with elegant calligraphy.
Polish condition: Excellent. The blade’s polish enhances both its structural features and aesthetic beauty.
Mounting (Koshirae) and Accessories
Saya: Deep black lacquered finish (kuroro), in classical and elegant style.
Tsuka: Wrapped in light brown tsuka-ito over black samegawa. The diamond patterns are perfectly aligned and tightly bound.
Menuki: Decorative metallic motifs, likely of symbolic or ritual meaning.
Tsuba: Simple round iron tsuba with no elaborate design, featuring kogai/kozuka openings.
Fuchi/Kashira: Lacquered intentionally to protect against moisture and environmental damage, a traditional practice that shows care for long-term preservation.
Habaki: Copper with natural patina, precisely fitted.
Included extras:
Shirasaya with external sayagaki (ink inscription)
Functional sunagi blade (training blade) for the koshirae
These additional elements —the sayagaki, the shirasaya, and the sunagi blade— significantly enhance the value of this set as a complete, museum-worthy collector’s ensemble.
Historical and Artistic Context
Forged in 1629, the sixth year of the Kan’ei era, this katana represents one of the finest moments in the history of Japanese swordmaking. Kanenori, active in the Echizen province, was part of the lineage of the Mino-Den tradition, known for its notare-midare hamon, lively hada, and reliable construction.
Kanenori swords from the Kan’ei period are highly regarded for their combination of visual elegance, structural soundness, and historical importance. The fact that this blade is not only signed and dated, but also authenticated by the NBTHK as Tokubetsu Hozon Token, places it in the top tier of traditionally made Japanese swords.
The koshirae, carefully preserved and enriched with lacquer-protected fuchi/kashira, a deep black saya, and a sunagi blade for active use, confirms this is not just a collector’s sword — it is a masterwork meant to be studied, displayed, and admired for generations.
Technical Sheet (Quick View)
Item Details
Type Katana
Signature 越前国住包則 (Echizen no Kuni-jū Kanenori)
Date Kan’ei 6 (1629)
Nagasa 76.4 cm
Sori 1.0 cm
Mekugi-ana 2
Hamon Notare-midare with nie, yubashiri, kinsuji
Jihada Mokume + masame, clearly visible
Mounting Black saya, light brown tsuka, lacquered fuchi/kashira
Extras Shirasaya with sayagaki + sunagi blade included
Certificate NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token no. 1023555
Torokusho Saitama no. 41930 (July 25, 1973)
Period Kan’ei era (Early Edo period)
Includes the original Japanese registration certificate, confirming authenticity and increasing its value as a collectible and historical artifact.
Blade is in good condition due to aging just superficial scratchings as normal. Not hagire and not fatal damage, of course. This is a japanese weapon so have a real historical value. This is a weapon with centuries, not machine crafted so can be minor movements of saya, tsuka, tsuba, etc. Because of dilatation, humidity, etc. and little damages propers of his age like small rust, scratches, etc.
