Blade signed “Noshu Ju (Cut), probably by Zenjo Kaneyoshi, as the blade style and signature matches him very well. As Kaneyoshi was a very famous smith from the Zenjo School in Noshu, he made many swords utilizing the fine suguha temper. He specialized in this temper, and the reputation for sharpness is well known. Kaneyoshi is said to be the son of Naoe Shizu Kanetsugu. His Buddhist name was Zenjo, thus he used this name to create this school. The blade is done in the style of the mid Koto period. The longish shape is the style of the Oei and after period. Horimono is very well done, and shows that this sword was made better than the average. Because this sword is mounted in a unusual D-Guard, one can assume that it was a family sword that was treasured for many generations. The blade has a nice well made suguha hamon made up of nioi and fine ko-nie. Shirake appears on the surface as it should. The blade has some scuffing and small areas of rust. When one looks at the shape with the horimono, it has the feel of the swords from the Oei period. The tang has been shortened, but the kanji remain for the upper part of the mei.
This particular type D-Guard mount is of a Japanese military official of Chosen (Korea). These Chosen swords were first authorized on February 2, Meiji 39, 1906, which was one year after Korea became a Japanese protectorate. Then again on May 31, 1911 when Chosen became an official colony. The kirimon was the official emblem of Chosen and thus they bear the kirimon. The military officials were are divided into four classes, Shinnin, Chokunin, Sonin, and Hannin. The Shinnin, who form the highest class, receive their investiture from the hand of the emperor himself. The decree of promotion bears the seal of the empire and is countersigned by the president of the council. The Chokunin are appointed by a decree of the emperor, bearing the seal of the empire. The Sonin are appointed by the cabinet upon presentation by the ministers. The Hannin are appointed by their respective ministers. This particular mount appears to be that of Sonin level based on the writings and pictures in the Jim Dawson book, “Swords of Imperial Japan 1868-1945”. However, there are also documented photos of Chokunin carrying this type of mounts. These mount is in very good condition, the handle has all the gold wire and the scabbard covered in leather. |
