Kamakura period ken with current NBTHK papers to Kagenori, who is from the Fukuoka Ichimonji lineage and also a member of the early Bizen Ko-Yoshii school. Early ken of this age are exceptionally rare, and this one is ubu. There is a Hon’ami shumei indicating the Kagenori attribution (upheld by two sets of papers). The ken has a small choji hamon, like Ichimonji in miniature. A very beautiful and uncommon piece to encounter.

Nagasa: 20cm (6 sun 6 bu)

Price: $6,500 (plus shipping)