Mino no Kuni Kanekuni saku Katana
美濃國兼國作　刀
Item TK044

  • Period: Modern (2024)

  • Mei (Signature): “In the style of Sukehiro” Mino no Kuni Kanekuni saku 偲助廣 美濃國兼國作
    ‍　　　　　　　　‍    An auspicious day in October, Reiwa 6 令和六年十月吉日 (2024)

  • Designation: Hozon (Fuchi Kashira)

  • Nakago - 23.5cm -Ubu

  • Nagasa - 72.8cm

  • Sori: - 2.0cm

  • Motohaba - 3.4cm

  • Sakihaba - 2.5cm

  • Kissaki - 4.5cm

  • Motokasane - 0.82cm

Price: ¥ 1,500,000

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Mukansa Swordsmith of Seki Kanekuni Ogawa - Admirer of Sukehiro

Ogawa Kanekuni (尾川兼國), real name Ogawa Mitsutoshi, is a highly respected modern swordsmith from Gifu Prefecture and a Mukansa smith. Born in 1953, he is the son of the first-generation Kanekuni (尾川兼圀) and succeeded the name as the second generation after training under his father and receiving his licence in 1991.

He is particularly known for his mastery of toran-ba, the wave-like hamon style pioneered by Tsuda Echizen no Kami Sukehiro of Osaka. This is one of the most technically demanding hamon to execute, placing significant stress on the blade during quenching and requiring exceptionally well-forged jigane. Within modern swordsmiths, Ogawa Kanekuni is widely regarded as one of the leading specialists in Sukehiro utsushi.

This katana is a typical and fresh example of his work. Constructed in shinogi-zukuri with an iori-mune, the blade is wide throughout with a healthy and substantial kasane, giving it a strong and well-balanced presence.

The jigane consists of an extremely fine and tightly forged ko-itame hada, consistent and well controlled. The hamon is his signature toran-ba, executed here in a bold and expansive manner, forming large, surging waves with a powerful visual impact. The nie is exceptionally fine and densely formed, and tobiyaki can be seen within the waves toward the monouchi, adding further activity.

A clean and confident work that captures the energy of classical Sukehiro-style toran-ba while maintaining the strength and quality expected of a modern blade.
The blade is accompanied by a Toppei-style koshirae, a mounting style that emerged in the late Edo to Bakumatsu period and is often associated with higher-ranking samurai and military officials. This style is characterised by its more formal and somewhat Western-influenced aesthetic, typically featuring a sturdier construction, simplified fittings, and the use of suspension hardware for wear with military-style dress.

The saya is finished in a refined red ishime lacquer, providing a subtle textured surface.

The tsuka is wrapped in brown reverse cowhide using the katate-maki (battle wrap) style. This form of wrapping, originally intended for practical battlefield use, offers a secure grip while also giving the koshirae a distinct and dynamic visual character.

The fuchi and kashira are Edo period wave-themed fittings, an elegant choice that visually echoes the dynamic toran-ba hamon of the blade, creating a cohesive and well-considered pairing between blade and mounting. These fittings are accompanied by NBTHK Hozon papers.