This is a very nice katana by the Echizen smith Kanenori. Kanenori was a member of the Shimosaka group and he worked around the Kanbun Era or 1661. This is a strong katana measuring a full 28 inches in cutting edge. The hada is a very tight itame as one would expect from this school. At first glance the hamon appears to be a shallow notare. Further study under good light reveals many tiny ashi which create a beautiful ko-choji effect in many areas. There are also areas of sunagashii and yo. This blade is signed: Motte Namban-tetsu Chikugo (no) Kami Kanenori. "Motte Namban-tetsu" means forged of foreign steel. This was a very popular thing in the 1600's. Above his signature is the Botan Mon (peony tree leaf) which he was known to carve on his swords.
This blade comes in new shirasaya and silver habaki. The saya has a sayagaki by Tanobe Sensei of the NBTHK. It also was just awarded Tokubetsu Hozon papers which attest to its quality and condition.
PRICE: $10,750.00
