Katana in Koshirae signed Harima no Kami…

This katana is signed Harima no Kami Fuji…, the remainder of the Mei is not legible due to patina. Research has shown that there is not that many smiths that signed using Harima No Kami Fuji (no doubt the next Kanji is Ware).  A quick look at Markus Sesko’s Honorary Titles shows around 10 Smiths largely around the 1630s, a cross reference with the Nihonto Message Board Smith Index shows only 3 Smiths used Harima No Kami Fujiware and those are: Kanetaka, Masamichi and Teruhiro.

In any case, this is a cleanly forged blade and an absolutely eye pleasing piece. It has very decently forged Jigane showing fine grained Hada pattern and very little forging imperfection. The Hamon has lovely activates with abundant Nie movements waiting to be seen. A strong candidate for Shinsa.

The Tsuka is moutned with Shakudo Zougan Fuchikashira with Kotori birds and Nami wave motif, with golden Uma horses Menuki. The Saya has an elegant dark red-ish brown colour lacquer work though it does have one small chip.