Explanation

Motoshige (元重) was a smith of the Bizen Osafune School, but belonged to a different local lineage than for example Kanemitsu (兼光) and Chōgi (⻑義). We know dated works from the end of the Kamakura period, i.e. the Shōwa era (正和, 1312-1317), to the mid-Nanbokuchō period, i.e. the Jōji era (貞治, 1362-1368), and there exists the theory that two generations have been active over that period of time. As for Motoshige’s workmanship, he forged a kitae that is mixed with nagare-masame and jifu and hardened a hamon with prominent angular gunome, slanting elements, and hataraki like saka-ashi and yō, and with the pointed kaeri, we recognize certain Aoe (⻘江) elements. This tendency towards Aoe is regarded as a characteristic feature of Motoshige.