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Signature (Mei): 家長作（加州） Ienaga saku (Kashū)
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Swordsmith: Ienaga (Fujishima School)
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School / Tradition: Kashū / Fujishima lineage
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Period / Province: Early Edo period / Kaga Province
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Certificate: NBTHK Hozon (保存刀剣)
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Mounting: Period-correct Koshirae and Shirasaya
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Blade Length (Nagasa): 61.1 cm
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Curvature (Sori): 1.4 cm
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Mekugi-ana: 2
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Shape: Shinogi-zukuri
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Jihada: Well-forged Itame with areas of Masame-nagare
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Hamon: Active Gunome-midare with bright Nioikuchi
A refined Katana certified NBTHK Hozon and attributed to the swordsmith Ienaga of Kashū (Kaga Province). This blade measures 61.1 cm in nagasa with a graceful 1.4 cm sori, presenting a balanced and classic shinogi-zukuri silhouette. The tang (nakago) is zaimei (signed), bearing the clear engraving "Ienaga saku," which has been authenticated by the Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords.
The workmanship reflects the transition from the late Muromachi into the early Edo period, showcasing a vivid hamon of irregular gunome. The steel surface displays a tight itame grain that is characteristic of the Fujishima school's output in the Kaga region, known for its resilience and functional beauty.
Koshirae Details
This sword is accompanied by a beautiful and period-appropriate koshirae. The saya is finished in a striking deep-red textured lacquer, providing a sophisticated contrast to the dark tsuka-ito. The tsuba is an iron work featuring intricate gold nunome-zogan (overlay) depicting chrysanthemums, a symbol of longevity and nobility. The overall mounting is well-preserved, reflecting the high status and care this blade has received over the centuries.
Swordsmith Background
Ienaga was a skilled smith within the Fujishima school, which originally migrated from Yamashiro to Kaga province. The Kashū smiths were highly regarded for their practical cutting ability and were the primary sword makers for the Maeda clan, one of the most powerful daimyo families in Japan. The work of Ienaga is celebrated for maintaining the traditional aesthetics of the Fujishima line while adapting to the sturdier shapes required during the turbulent transition into the Edo period.
School History
The Kashū (Kaga) school is one of the most significant regional traditions outside of the primary "Gokaden" (Five Traditions). It is characterized by a "whitish" steel (shirake-utsuri) and a blend of Sōshū and Mino styles. As a zaimei (signed) work, this blade serves as a definitive example of the Fujishima lineage's artistry in the Hokuriku region, combining a robust field-ready character with the elegance demanded by the samurai elite.
