Japanese Samurai Sword  Shimousa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa NBTHK Tokubetsu

Japanese Samurai Sword  Shimousa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Special Preservation Sword
Edo Period  Echizen Province (c. 1673)

Swordsmith Lineage
Shimousa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa, born Hattori Yoshibei, was a direct descendant of the famous Seki tradition as the fifth-generation grandson of Noshu Seki Kaneho. Active in Echizen, Edo, and Hikone, Kanemasa became celebrated not only for his refined forging techniques but also for his exceptional mastery in decorative carving  a skill rarely matched in his era.

Exceptional Horimono
This blade features superb horimono on both sides, executed with remarkable precision:
Climbing dragon chasing the sacred jewel (tama)  a powerful motif symbolizing strength, wisdom, and the attainment of divine power. The dragon’s rising movement, muscular body, and meticulously carved scales demonstrate Kanemasa’s mastery in relief carving.
Plum tree (ume)   symbol of resilience, purity, and renewal. The plum tree blossoms in the cold of winter, representing the enduring spirit of the samurai. The carving is delicate, elegant, and deeply expressive, showing the artist’s refined control and attention to natural detail.

These horimono elevate the sword beyond functional craftsmanship into the realm of high Edo-period sword art, showcasing Kanemasa’s reputation as a master engraver.

Characteristics of This Sword
The blade has a dignified sugata typical of high-ranking Echizen work, with a confident curvature and finely forged steel. The jihada and hamon are beautifully executed, harmonizing perfectly with the artistic carvings.
This level of combined craftsmanship  forging skill + high-level horimono  is rarely encountered, especially on swords holding Tokubetsu Hozon status.

Original Edo-Period Mountings
The koshirae accompanying this blade is stunning and fully original Edo period  an exceptional survival in this condition.

• Tsuba – Dragon Emerging from the Clouds
A powerful iron tsuba depicting a dragon climbing forward through swirling clouds. The carving is deep and expressive, perfectly echoing the dragon horimono on the blade itself.

• Fuchi & Kashira – Matching Dragon Motif
Both fittings feature coordinated dragon themes, completing the visual narrative of strength, protection, and celestial power.

• Saya  Exquisite Dragon Motif
The saya is decorated with an exceptional dragon design, refined, clean, and in perfect harmony with the theme of the entire koshirae. The style and execution make it a true collector’s piece.

This full Edo-period mounting set forms a unified story:
the dragon as protector, symbol of power, wisdom, and nobility.

Specifications
Blade length Nagasa 70.1 cm
Sori 1.3 cm
Moto-haba 3.15 cm
Moto-kasane  7.5 mm
Saki-haba  2.15 cm
Saki-kasane  5.5 mm
Mekugi-ana  2
Era: Edo Period (ca. 1673)
Province: Echizen
Certification: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon – Special Preservation Sword

Historical Context
Late-Edo Echizen was a vibrant center of sword making where the traditions of Noshu Seki were preserved and refined. Kanemasa’s blades, treasured by samurai of several domains, combined martial strength with elegant artistic detail.
This sword — with its dynamic dragon, symbolic plum tree, and strong forging — embodies the peak of Echizen craftsmanship and the spirit of the Edo samurai.