46. Shinto Katana sword, made and signed by master Kanemasa Fujiwara, early Edo, Japan, ca. 1661-1675, collectible

Shimousa Daijyo Fujiwara Kanemasa was a master blacksmith from the Japanese province of Echizen. Hattori Kichihei by his true name, he was very successful during the Kanbun period of the Edo era. Kanemasa was the 5th generation of blacksmiths from Kanemori in the Hikone domain of the Ōmi province. "Katana" swords are an evolution of the "Tachi" swords, being thus signed by the master ironsmiths starting from the Muromachi period (1337-1573). The introduction of the katana coincided with the change in samurai fighting style, also in the early Muromachi period, and the name "katana" actually means "with the cutting edge facing up". The sword is made of Japanese steel called "Tamahagane". The forging of a katana blade could take hours or days, and the process was considered a sacred art. As with many other complex processes, several makers/artists were involved, not just a single craftsman. One blacksmith hardened the sword, a second blacksmith (apprentice) would often bend the metal, there was also a polishing specialist and even a specialist in making the edge of the blade. There were specialists for making the hilt, the scabbard and the tsuba, the portion separating the scabbard from the hilt.

Dimensions

custom l=91 cm

Description

tamahagane steel, catfish leather, wood and laque de Chine saya

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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