Katana Sword (unsigned, Yoshioka Ichimonji)

A Brilliant Blade of the Yoshioka Ichimonji School

The Katana Sword (unsigned, Yoshioka Ichimonji) (刀〈無銘（吉岡一文字）〉) is an unsigned Kamakura-period katana of the Yoshioka Ichimonji school, location unknown, which in 1957 was designated an Important Cultural Property.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one blade 69.0 centimetres long with a curvature of 2.1 centimetres, 3.0 centimetres wide at the base and 2.2 centimetres at the tip.

According to the Agency, it is the work of the Ichimonji school that flourished at Yoshioka in Bizen Province from the mid to late Kamakura period.

The Blade

According to the Agency, although greatly shortened, it shows a splendid irregular reflection, a hallmark of Kamakura Bizen swords.

The temper line is a brilliant clove pattern mixed with half-circles and pointed forms, with scattered spots of temper, which the Agency calls the highlight of the Yoshioka Ichimonji school.

What to Look For

The Agency describes it as excellently made, with sound steel and edge.

Though greatly shortened and unsigned, it is attributed by the Agency to the Yoshioka Ichimonji school.

Visiting the Katana Sword (unsigned, Yoshioka Ichimonji)

Its owner and location are not disclosed, and no official information on viewing could be found.