COMPLETE MANUAL OF THE OLD SWORD

by an 'unknown' author,   published in 1793,   in Yeddo.

CLASSIFICATION and DESCRIPTION of the SWORDS
PART 3

All swords are classified and grouped under the province or the school to which they belong. We shall compare the characteristics of such groups and those of the individual maker.

I. YAMATO Class

The general characteristics are as follows:
(a) Long sword: Blade slender; ridge wide and high; some are bent in the center; regular woody mark; cap closely welded; some have the three-angled back; Iori is generally hill-shaped. The general features of engraving and point are rather eccentric.
(b) Short sword: Always straight; file-marks of the nakago differ. Even the works of the same master have ' Higaki,' ' hawk's feather,' or ' crosswise oblique file,' etc.; this being particularly true of inferior makers.

(1) Amakuni, born in Uta in the era of Taiho.
Blade slender; ridge wide; Iori deep; woody mark very fine; skin beautiful; edge abounds in nie marks; point closely welded; feet of the ' small midare' type; some are of ' Notare midare.'

(2) Amakura, identical with Amakuni.
Blade considerably bent; ridge wide; Iori deep; stuff-iron highly tempered. The welded edge is small at the hilt and has ' medium midare' here and there, two or three inches above the hilt (whose reverse feet are well welded), and is closely welded in the point; somewhat slender at the sides (where there is no reflex line). Both body and edge are admirably well made, and although the back is angled in the nakago, it appears to be round at the first glance. File-marks in the plain are of different kinds, some even having hammer-marks. The head of the nakago is either curved or angular. Some have the points of their angles rounded.

(3) Tomomitsu, in the era of Wado.
The feature of this blade is its dryness; ridge wide; regular woody lines very fine; edge of 'midare,' which is small in the hilt, but wide in the middle, (some, however, are small). Far inferior to Amakuni and Amakura.

(4) Yasunori, in the era of Eien.
Blade thick and straight; ridge high; Iori hill-shaped; regular woody maiks very fine; nie is abundant; body and edge beautiful; quality medium.

(5) Yukihira, in the era of Eien.
Blade slender and dry; ridge wide; back thin; regular woody line; slender, straight edge, of 'small midare,' or 'Notare midare'; it boils; back round; resembles the work of Bungo Yukihira; the inscription consists of two letters of "So" type (i. e. italic).

II. TAYEMA Class

(a) In general, this class belongs to the genuine Kurihara. Some halberds have furrows; works of Senjuin sometimes contain very skillfully engraved figures, but are generally unadorned; Ken (double-edged sword) has its point acute and its furrows deeply cut.
(b) Nakago is thicker towards the edge; file-marks are of different kinds; it may also have the crosswise Higaki. The name is inscribed on the uppermost part of the nakago.
(c) The blade of the short sword is thick and straight. It is wider towards the nakago. Some have the three-angled back; most are of the Ilkubi-shape. Generally the furrow is not present. With the Ken type the furrow, sculpture, etc., are rarely found.

(1) Tayema, in the era of Shomu.
Blade thick; ridge high; width either medium or narrow; Iori deep; fine, regular, woody lines; pear's skin; rough nie marks. ' Straight edged ' is narrow in the hilt and wide toward the point, boils well, point closely welded, sometimes containing reflex line.
The short sword is slightly bent and wide. In other particulars it resembles the long sword. The file-marks are of different kinds; nakago is narrow towards the head; inscriptions in Ken-shape are rarely seen. The Tayema family includes many generations, such as Kuniyuki, Tashiyuki, etc., of which a minute account will be found in their "genealogy."

(2) Shirikake. That is Norinaga, in the era of Kencho.
Blade slender; ridge wide and high; bent at the center; regular and irregular woody lines; Iori deep; straight midare; mixed 'Gunome' edge; 'lightening' and ' nie marks.'
The small sword is always straight. Ridge and Iori high; straight edge type; its welding and engraving are identical with that of Tayema.
Nakago is thick in the back; file-marks crosswise; (later work, however, has a somewhat oblique filing); head generally angleshaped; back straight. The same inscription, which has been in use for many generations, is "made by Norinaga," or "made by Yamato Norinaga"; later it was changed to "made by Norinaga of the province of Yamato," or "made by Shirikake Norinaga of Yamato."

(3) Senjuin, in the era of Chokei.
Blade much bent; ridge high and wide; back round; though the welding is scarcely visible, it shows a regular woody grain; 'straightedge' having 'small feet'; point medium.
The structure of the short sword resembles that of the long sword.
File-mark of the nakago is oblique on the ridge, crosswise on its plain, or, in some cases, the crosswise mark is two or three inches above the hilt, accompanied by a ' great oblique' file near the point; the back is a much rounded angle; head is rounded angle. Later works have both Higaki and crosswise; thick round head and angle back. The inscription reads, "Senjuin," " Senjuin D6in," " Yamato uokuui Soegamigori," or the maker's true name. There are many generations from Yukinobu and Shigihiro, the founders of the house of Yasushige and Yoshihiro, etc. The wide midare bears a great resemblance to the Kamakura class.

(4) Kanenaga, in the era of Teio.
Blade long; bent in center; ridge high and uncommonly wide; Iori deep; body thick towards hilt; peculiar regular woody lines; cap loosely welded or round, sometimes has reflex line; 'medium straight,' 'wide straight,' or 'midare edge'; generally the welded edge is wide at the point; nie is abundant and coarse, occasionally, however, it is clear and fine; nioi deep; some have welded back. Short swords are rarely seen among the old blades. Works of various masters having similar inscriptions are numerous. The older works are superior.
The file-mark of the nakago is hawk's feather; back round; round head. Some of the works of Kanetoshi are filed crosswise.

III. SENGAI Class.

This class includes many makers. The furrow is rare, and the general features resemble Kanenaga. Has regularly woody lines; both straight and midare edge; caps of different kinds, with some having deep reflex lines.
The short sword is generally straight, with a thick body, the back sometimes being triangular; irregular woody lines occur and the edge of the later work has a coarse, unlovely margin; some blades have no nie marks, while others have scattered lines. Further details resemble Kanenaga. Some blades are adorned with engraving and carving.
There are middle-sized short swords; their file-marks are oblique, or frequently Higaki.

(1) Kaneuji, in the era of Enhei.
Also called Yamato Shidzu. Ridge high and wide ; Iori medium; point small; regular woody lines; perfect skin; of the straight, 'small gunome,' or 'midare' type; deep nioi; rough, minute nie marks ; scattered lines occasionally appear: caps vary.
The short sword is either straight or curved; backs differ; widths and bodies vary, some have carved designs. In other respects they resemble the long swords.
The back of the nakago is either wide or round; file-marks crosswise, a trifle oblique, or Higaki; head round; furrow rare. Kaneuji became a disciple of Masamune and lived in Shidzu in Mino.

(2) Yoshimitsu, in the era of Reio.
His long sword is rare. The short sword is short; dry in point; thick toward hilt; no nie; both edge and back of the nakago round; slender towards the point; roundhead; the inscription consists of two initials. No resemblance to Yoshiro.

(3) Yasumasa Goro, in the era of Shoan.
The most brilliant work of the Yamato class; ridge wide and high; bent in center; Iori hill-shaped; regular woody lines; cap closely welded; along the margin of the cap the welding mark may gradually be discovered; edge straight and slender towards the hilt; sometimes has a little midare; occasional scattering lines or nie.
The short sword is straight and thick in the body. The same is true of the long sword in every respect.
The nakago is round in back; file-mark of Higaki; rounded head. The latter work sometimes bears the oblique file-mark, which, although it has lengthwise split, is not considered flawed. It is said that with some swords the regular woody lines are present, but invisible; also that some blades are made wholly of steel. Engraved designs are rare.

(4) Hasebe Kunishige.
He lived in Sagami, Yamashiro, Kawachi, Settsu, and Yamato. He was included in the Yamato class in the ancient books, but is now spoken of as belonging to the Kyo class.

(5) Uta.
His school is included in the Settsu-chu class. He was a native of Yamato, but later made his home in Etchu.

IV. KYO Class.

The general features of this class are as follows:
(a) Long sword. Blade well bent; equal in hilt and point; medium Iori and point; both regular and irregular woody lines are noble; nie abundant; nioi deep. This Choji-midare closely resembles the work of Bizen and Iehimoji; cap straightedged ; back round, sometimes showing a welding mark. Some have long and sharply defined Sanskrit letters; point slightly rounded; furrow reaches to hilt.
(b)The short sword is nearly always straight. File-marks are generally crosswise, excepting in the works of Sadatoshi, which have great oblique filing. Ancient blades of highest quality, whose file-marks are invisible, greatly resemble each other, whether they be the work of Kyo, Yamato, Bizen, Kamakura, or others.

(1) Munechika, in the era of Eien.
Ridge somewhat wide; some swords have the furrow, while others contain Ken, Gomaheshi, etc. Width and thickness medium; Iori medium. All blades have very minute and beautiful regular woody lines, which, when closely examined, present a peculiar and incomparable individuality of appearance.
The short sword is straight and of the " Shobu type." There are also medium-sized short swords, which have 'small feet' in the straight edge, or 'small midare' and 'notare.' In some the welded edge is slender at the center and wide in the upper part; some are welded with strong nie in the margin.
The nakago is round in the back and slender in the point; file-mark crosswise or oblique; head of the obtuse angle type. The inscription is "Sanjo Munechika," "Sanjo," "Munechika," " Nippon ichi," "Yukizane," or "BungoYuki." Other work having the same inscription is found in Iga. These have the file-mark crosswise in the ridge and oblique in the plain. Its quality is inferior.

(2) Yoshiiye, in the era of Eien.

He is believed to be the son of Munechika, but some say that he adopted another name, assumed by that master. The features of the blade are identical with Munechika; no short sword; regular woody lines; Iori shallow; furrow rare; some of 'small Notare midare' type; frequently the slender, straight edge has 'small feet;' its 'Choji edge' resembles the 'Kiku' type; abundant nie; deep nioi; perfect skin; sometimes the edge widens toward the hilt; cap large and round, with little reflex lines; file-mark crosswise; back thick; head round. In the inscription, "Bizen," Yoshiiye used the word "created," but Sanjo used the word "made."

(3) Arikuni, in the era of Eien; disciple of Munechika.

Blade slender; ridge high; fine, regular, woody lines; Iori somewhat shallow; small and nie midare. " The skillful structure of this sword at once proves its right to be included in the Kyo class. + (4) Sadatoshi, in the era of Bunei; lived in Ayakaji.
Ridge wide; Iori shallow; has ' Choji edge' on a small scale, and also Choji mixed with 'straight edge;' deep nioi. Occasionally the edge is wider in the hilt and possesses some midare. Although it resembles the work of Bizen Ichomoji, it has more abundant nie marks. Its ' Choji midare' resembles that of Yoshiiye, and has some scattered lines; round with reflex lines. The short sword is rare. The back of the nakago is thick; file-mark great oblique; round head: inscription is in So type.

(5) Kanenaga, in the era of Chogen; lived in Gojo.

The features of his blades resemble those of Arikuni, his father. Furrowed, point small; 'Choji edge;' 'midare' or 'fine midare;' bears resemblance to Sadatoshi; the end of the ' midare'boils; deep nioi; somewhat lurid spotted skiu. The short sword is rare; file-mark crosswise, or a trifle oblique; head round.

(6) Kuninaga, in the era of Jireki, son of Kanenaga.

His work resembles that of Sadatoshi; Iori deep; ridge high; skillful midare; back of the nakago thick; file-marks small and oblique.

(7) Kuniyuki, in the era of Shogen; called Kaitaro.

Blade considerably bent; Iori medium; regular woody grain; tempered but lurid skin, furrowed; the 'Choji edge' contains abundant midare in the hilt; wide and straight for six or seven inches upward from the hilt,—in some there are ' small feet' at this part, and more at from five to one or two inches above the hilt; cap round and straight-edged. The back may or may not show scattered lines; nie mark fine; nioi deep; blade slender. It might be confounded with the Bizen class, though it differs from it in its abundant nie and varying features. The short sword is rare. The back of the nakago is thick; file-marked crosswise; thick in its plain and mostly round headed. Inscription consists of the two letters of his name in large type. He never inscribes the word Rai.

(8) Kunitoshi, in the era of SeiO; called Niji Kunitoshi.

General features resemble Kuniyuki; edge has midare in the hilt and upper part. In some cases the wide, straight edge has 'feet,' in others the ' Choji edge.' There are also blades of welded back, ' reverse feet,' ' straight edge' and the ' notare midare.' In 'sugukas,' it does not boil so much as in 'midare.' The nakago is like that of Kuniyuki. The inscription does not contain the letter Rai. These may be classified as the higher, the middle, and the lower types. His signature has often been forged, as is also the case with Rai Kunitoshi.

(9) Rai Kunitoshi, the same province as Kunitoshi.

Blade slender; ridge wide; point and Iori rather deep; the regular woody grain somewhat lurid; boils well, and has deep nioi ; generally straight; rarely has ' midare edge' of ' Gonome type;' cap round.
The short sword is straight, generally narrow, but widening toward the hilt; deep reflex line. Other features are identical with the long swords. Sanskrit letters in running type; ' Ken ' is vaguely marked in the sides, but has middle ridge.
The back of the nakago is angular; file-marked crosswise; thick back. The inscription consists of the word "Rai Kunitoshi;" often in small type, though found in many other types. It is said that he changed the form of his inscription six times, (consult the catalogue of the Nakago), sometimes inscribing himself "Rai Minamoto Kunitoshi."

(10) Rai Kunimitsu, in the era of Shoan.

Blade bent in the middle part and thick; Iori shallow; regular woody lines; soft stuff-iron; texture fine, showing irregular spots; skin lurid; point slender; edge straight, straight having 'small feet;' 'notare midare,' 'small midare;' or the wide, straight edge of the ' Choji type,' or the one resembling Kuniyuki; boils well; deep nioi; welded back; round cap. It is said that the beautiful midare was made in his youth, while the 'straight' was constructed in his old age.
Some of the short swords are made straight and others curved; of the 'straight edge' or 'notare type;' reflex lines, rather deep; nie marks very fine; nioi deep; other points are like the long sword. Some have very beautiful thread-like welding lines; file-mark is crosswise; the head round or bent. The inscription consists of three letters of "Rai Kuni mitsu," or of the four letters of "Rai Minamoto Kuni mitsu."

(11) Kai Kunitsugu, in the era of Kagen; it is said that he came from Kamakura.

Blades different sizes, mainly large, medium and small.
There is also the Taehi sword, (the largest one of all, borne only by a commander); regular woody lines; lurid skin; small point; shallow Iori; some having triangular back; figures brilliantly cut; furrow wide and shallow; edge is of 'notare'; resembling, but far outshining Kunimitsu; some have midare in the hilt; welded back; abundant nie; nioi deep; nie mark fine in the midare.
The short sword is not curved; it has a wide body and peculiar furrow of the so-called Kunitsugu type. Blades have notare edge; caps of different kinds; nioi deep, and nie midare, rarely of straight edge type. In other respects they resemble the long swords.
The back of the nakago is angular; has crosswise file-mark, and head round; backs round in some swords. Inscription consists of the three letters of "Kai Kuni tsugu " or of the four letters of " Kai Minamoto Kuni tsugu." In his latter years he became a disciple of Masamune.

(12) Tomokuni, in the era of Sho-wa.

The short sword is bent and rather flat; has Iori and triangular back; figures of different kinds; 'great notare' edge; sometimes has 'dewy balls'; boils well; cap has deep reflex lines; some resemble Shizu Sadamune. Some blades are longer and flatter than others. The long sword is rare; file-mark crosswise; head round.

(13) Mitsukane, in the era of Sho-wa. He is called " Chudo Rai" or "Tatsu Rai'' because he made his swords in a Chudo (temple) in Tatsu of Omi province. He was first a disciple of Bizen Nagamitsu, and later of Kunitoshi.

Long swords are never found. The short sword droops somewhat; thick body; deep Iori and back; sometimes has triangular back; very fine, regular woody lines of the straight edge type; little midare; cap has deep 'reflex lines' and is rounded in the middle; rich nie; thick back; file-mark crosswise; round head; inscription consists of the two letters of his name. Some have figures. There is a decided individuality in the cap of each of his blades.

(14) Ryokai, in the era of Shoo; son of Kunitoshi; a disciple of Sadatoshi.

Blade slender; ridge high; fine, regular woody grain; furrowed, shallow back; some of triangular back type; small point. The edge is ' straight'; ' straight having small feet'; ' small midare,' that resembling Kunitoshi, or that having scattered lines and a wide edge at the hilt; nie rich and fine; nioi deep; cap round; reflex line deep.
The short sword of the straight type, thick; some a trifle longer than others; straight edge; is of both Shobu and Ukubi tvpes; there are also medium sized swords.
The back of the nakago is angular; file-mark crosswise; generally a round head. His popular name is " Mitsushige," " Ryohai " being his religious name.

(15) Nobukuni, there are three generations—Kenbu, Teiji, and Oei.

The structure is of the furrowed and the ' back' type; irregular woody lines; lurid skin; shallow Iori; some have a triangular back and small point; figures frequently occur which are not distinctly cut; some have the welded back. Swords are of both notare and midare and of straight type; nies well; nioi deep; cap round.
The short sword is straight, rarely bent; some are long. There are also middle-sized swords of both the Ukubi and the Shobu types. In other respects they are identical with the long sword. Some bear a resemblance to Sadamune.
As for the works of Teiji and Oei, the short sword is straight and thick, may be of either straight or midare tvpe; has triangular or Iori back; the figure and also Sanskrit letters are of many kinds and designs, such as the spade-shaped lotus flower, and Amakurikara; the edge is generally wider toward the hilt, and in some cases the end resembles the work of Sagami or Bizen, the chief difference being that generally its ' feet of midare' form a round group, by twos or threes. The back of the nakago is thick; file-mark crosswise, oblique; mostly roundheaded. Later blades are round-backed. Of the work of the three generations of Nobokuni, the first is superior. Many swords bear identical inscriptions of "Genzaemon," "Gengoro," etc. Among the older works some have their signature deflect ing low toward the left. Later works have the word Kuni, wide at the foot.

(16) Hasebe, in the era of Reio: called Kunishige.

Blade slender; point small; mostly a triangular back; Iori shallow. In some cases the back is round and the blade furrowed; irregular woody texture; beautiful but lurid skin. Its figures, are Ken, Sanskrit letters of spade-shaped lotus flower, Amakurikari, etc., which are of many varieties, but loosely designed and unskillfully carved; many swords resemble the blades of Hiromitsu, Akihiro, Nobukuni, etc., but there is always a strong individuality of the cap and kayeri (reflex). The cap generally has a woody texture; but sometimes possesses the straight edge.
The short sword is curved; wide and thin; some are straightedged, and exceedingly thin; many are of the elongated, flat type; kayeri is very deep. In other respects they resemble the long swords.
The back of a nakago is round; file-mark crosswise; point slender; head round. The letter Kuni differs from the usual form. He was a disciple of Masamune.
The works of Kuninobu and his school resemble the blades of Hasebe, but are vastly inferior.

(17) Heianjo, in the era of Bunwa.

Blade thin and considerably bent; backs vary; Iori shallow; small or sometimes middle-sized point; of the great notare edge ; deep kayeri; cap round, with nie marks; figures in great variety, such as Kurikara. The works of Mitsunaga have 'great notare' and 'small, mixed midare.' Some occur which are of the straight type toward the point, but of ' midare of the notare,' and ' Gunome' toward the hilt. Those of Hitatsura are rare.
The short sword is longer, bent and thin. In other respects it resembles the long sword.
The back of the nakago is round; file-marks crosswise, or sometimes small oblique; head round; slender point.

(18) Masamune (Darma), in the era of Bunkwa.

Mostly round-backed ; regular woody texture ; small midare; fine notare; some nie; round cap; rather flat; little kayeri. The short sword is of the straight type. In other respects resembling the long swords.
The back of the nakago is round; file-mark crosswise or oblique; head round. The inscription consists of the two letters, the letter Masa being of thin type. It may also be inscribed as " Kunishige," " Shigemitsu," " Darma Nyudo," "Darma," etc. The point of the nakago is slender.

V. AWADAGUCHI Class.

Blade slender; fine, regular, woody texture or a beautiful irregular, woody texture; the most beautiful example of the Kyo class; stuff-iron, hard and glittering; body blue and edge white; has abundant nie, both rough and minute; edge not broad; edge is the 'straight, middle notare,' 'small midare of Choji type,' with the 'feet' of 'small Choji'; is noble as becomes so celebrated a name; not easily confounded with any other work. Figures are grand, skillfully and deeply cut. Sanskrit letter slender, widening towards the foot; furrow round-ended, deep and fine in its point; mostly triangular back.
The back of the nakago is angular, a trifle slender, full in some blades; filing-mark crosswise, oblique, or great oblique; mostly round head.

(1) Kunitomo, in the era of Genreki.

Blade slender and curved toward the hilt; ridge a trifle thin; body thick; Iori deep; back triangular; regular woody texture ; fine, beautiful skin; straight edge has rich nie; the double edge also occurs; round cap; welded back.
The structure of the short sword droops somewhat and is narrower; Iori medium. In other respects resembles the long swords.
The back of the nakago is round; file-mark crosswise oblique; mostly round head ; inscription is "Kunitomo," " Fujibayashi Kunitomo," or the initial.

(2) Norikuni, in the era of Kempo.

The long sword is rare. Blade slender and considerably curved; welding fine; triangular back; medium Iori; edge of 'slender straight,'or of the ' notare'type; boils well; no kayeri; close welding; fine point; some show a fine woody texture on the edge. His straight-edged swords are said to be superior to the midare types.
The short sword is of the straight type, rather smaller; middle or slender, straight edge; boils finely; cap round; carved figures resemble those of Awadaguchi.
The back of the nakago is thick; crosswise file; round head.

(3) Kuniyoshi, in the era of Kwangen.

The short sword is of the straight make; body medium; triangular back; same figure as Awadaguchi; mostly furrowed; fine, beautiful skin; 'Futsura' plentiful; of slender, straight edge or straight edge; cap round; some blades closely resembling Yoshimitsu's work. Taehi (the great commander's sword) is rare; slender and straight-edged. In other points resembling the short sword.
The back of the nakago is angular; file-marks crosswise; round head.

(4) Yoshimitsu, in the era of Bunei, the son of Kuniyoshi, called Toshiri.

The short sword is of the straight type, though somewhat drooping, narrow and small; of uniform medium thickness; triangular back; middle Iori; fine; beautiful stuff-iron, with a peculiar texture of skin; some closely welded; of the brilliant, straight-edged type, which is slender about the hilt; wider in the middle, and closely and strongly welded at the point. In some cases it has'small midare' toward the hilt; 'straight edge' at the point, and finally welded at the Fukura; sometimes with midare; cap round; some have the 'flaming end'; it is said that those blades of which the kayeri is shallow are sure to have no cap which is not round and no hilt which is not straight-edged; nie mark fine and coarse; nioi deep; prefatory welding is done before the edge is welded; the same figures as Awadaguchi. He made but few long swords, all of which are slender; ridge high; furrow reaching to the hilt; midare edge; in other points resembling the short swords; angular nakago back; round head; file-mark crosswise, and beautiful, but almost invisible.

(5) Hisakuni, in the era of Genreki; called Yoshiro.

Slender blade; small point; a little wider ridge; medium breadth and thickness; generally triangular back; Iori and furrows rare; fine, beautiful skin; 'middle straight edge' or 'small midare edge'; rich nie; clear edge; sometimes having deep ' feet' at the centre; round medium cap; some closely welded.
The short sword is both straight and bent; medium breadth and thickness; triangular back; Iori deep; in other respects resembling the long swords. Most blades have Awadaguchi figures.
The nakago is thick in back; file-mark great oblique or small oblique; point slender; head round.

(6) Kuniyasu (Tosaburo), in the era of Genreki.

Slender blade; point small; Iori medium; rarely furrowed; is of 'small midare,' combined here and there with 'Choji;' has also 'nie,' 'lightening,' 'scattering mark,' 'balls,' etc. Some have a 'straight edge,' combined with a 'little midare'; cap round.
The short sword is rarely found, and is of the straight type.
Nakago is thick in the back; file-marks great oblique; round head.

(7) Kunikige, the same as above; called Shirobyoye.

Blade resembles that of Kuniyasu; triangular back, wide in the middle; uneven texture; straight edge, similar to Kuniyoshi. But long and short swords are closely welded at the point. The file-mark is oblique.

(8) Arikuni (Togoro), the same province as Kunikige.

Blade slender and considerably bent; ridge high; similar to Kunitomo; skin fine; texture almost invisible; have nakago obliquely filed; has the 'black spot,' like the Bit-chu class some with irregular, woody lines; slender, straight edge; boils has nioi and 'chikei; ' cap round; nakago with thick back file either crosswise, oblique or great oblique. He later lived in Kamada of Omi.

(9) Kunitsuna, called Sakonshogen Goroku; in the era of Kencho; afterward imigrated to Sagami.

Blade slender and long; point closely welded; ridge a little wider; Iori shallow; furrowed specimens are rare; edge of the wide, straight-edge type, with the small midare of the Choji type, although some have the midare near the hilt; nie mark rough; also with ' chikei,' ' lightening,' or ' sunagoshi'; the waist edge is one or two inches above the hilt and comes like smoke from the welded mark, although in some specimens it occurs as usual; in wide edge, this will be seen by turning the blade one or two inches.
The short sword has no pointing at the waist edge; kayeri is deep; nie especially rich; both the edge and the stuff-iron brilliant; nakago with round back; file, crosswise oblique; plain, thick; head round.

(10) Kunimitsu, in the era of Kwangen.

Ridge high; welded mark fine and highly tempered; slender, straight-edge type; beautiful nie; inscription of the SO type.

(11) Kikuzukuri, in the era of Genreki.

Some say his blades were really made by the Emperor Gotoba. The blade resembles Norimune's work; ridge make; Iori and back shallow; point small; very beautiful skin; 'chojiedge;' some combined with the 'reverse feet;' has 'balls,' 'lightening' and 'chikei;' some specimens have a fanciful mi da re; deep nioi; rich nie. The nakago, being made by Norimune and others, has no definite file-mark; round head. In the hilt the figure of the Kiku (chrysanthemum) is cut, its diameter being 45 sun, and the number of its petals being 16, 24, or 32. This is most curious work.

(12) Nakajima Rai, in the era of Embun; three generations of Rai Kuninaga worked with him; lived in Settsu.

The furrowed blade and point present several varieties; regular woody line; shallow Iori; triangular back; middle, straight edge; round cap; with nioi and nie; resembles the inferior works of Kunimitsu.
The short sword is of the bent type; breadth medium; with both straight edge and midare; cap of various forms; furrow and back of many sorts; file crosswise; head generally round.

VI. KAMAKURA Class

Blade rather wide; ridge narrow, and slightly bent; point rather long; Iori deep; triangular back, with a wide center; irregular woody Hues; wide edge; rough nie and 'sunagoshi' (scattered line); cap large; 'kayeri' deep; welded mark; square Sanskrit letter; chisel mark, wide; rather long; point sharp. The Sankodzuka has its 'Tagaue' more shallow than in the 'Ken.' The furrow does not reach the top of the small ridge; furrow point droops in order to widen the appearance of the edge and is unusual ; toward the hilt it is smoothed away or ends brokenly. The ornamental figures incline to the center.
The short sword presents varied types, chiefly straight before Sadamune, but after his period either straight or bent; file crosswise or crosswise-oblique; back angular; sometimes round; head both ansrular and round.

(1) Kunimune, in the era of Kocho; called Saburo; born in Bizen, and the ancestor of Sagami.

His work is described under the Bizen class; edge with either small or large midare, the latter sometimes having a stain, and some being slightly boiled. In all other respects his work is like that of the Bizen class.

(2) Kunimitsu, in the era of Shoo; son of Awadaguchi Kunitsune and a disciple of Kunimune; called Shintogo.

The short sword is of the straight type, but rather narrow; triangular back, with wide center and deep declivity; fine and beautiful irregular woody lines, although lurid in parts; slender straight edge, with fine nie mark; with 'lightening,' 'chikei,' etc.; edge generally somewhat narrow at the hilt, widening toward the point; woody texture on the edge; cap round; ' kayeri' deep; figure, Ken; Sanskrit letter, furrow and Gomahashi; specimens without a figure are rare.
Tachi and long swords are rare; point quite narrow, but in all other respects like the short sword; nakago with round back; file crosswise; head round.

(3) Kunishige, in the era of Shoma; called Shin Togoro.

His blades are like those of his father, Kunimitsu, but the edge is broader and the cut of the Sanskrit letter is more shallow.

(4) Kunihiro, of the same province as Kunishige.

Blade rather wide; generally with middle straight edge; figure larger and more free, somewhat resembling the work of Ral Kunitsuge, but in all other respects like the blades of his father, Kunimitsu, although his nakago is wider and thicker in the end than the work of his father and brother (Kunishige). The two brothers afterward inscribed as Kunimitsu.

(5) Sukezane, in the era of Bunei.

Blade wide; ridge narrow-; the point rather long, resembling the work of Bizen Sukezane. Some specimens have a round back, and retain striking characteristics of the Kamakura class. He became more skillful after he came to Kamakura. Very brilliant 'Choji midare ;' with 'nioi;' scattered line; 'balls,' etc., while some blades have 'notare midare,' ' rough nie,' etc.; file oblique; head round; head rarely angular, or with great 'higaki.'

(6) Yukimitsu, in the era of Bunei; called Tosabura; a disciple of Kunimitsu.

Blade slender and rather long; irregular woody texture; triangular back, wide top and deep or medium declivity; point extremely varied; in type, wide, straight, 'midare,' ' notare,' or ' hitatsura;' boils well; with 'lightening,' 'sunagashi,'or very irregular midare, etc.; cap round; deep ' kayeri.'
The short sword is of the straight type, and very rarely bent; breadth and thickness extremely varied; edge slender towards the hilt; all other details are like those of the long sword; nakago angular in back, or a little rounded; file crosswise; head generally angular, although some specimens show the oblique in the ridge and crosswise in the plain, with round heads.

(7) Masamune, in the era of Shoo and Kenbu; a son of Yukimitsu and a disciple of Sintogo Kunimitsu; called Gord "Nyiido.

Blade wide and only slightly bent; triangular back with wide top and deep declivity; sometimes with Iori back: point rather long, although the small point also occurs; beautiful irregular woody texture; 'edge midare' or 'notare midare;' nie rough and rich; with ' lightening ' and ' sunagashi;' and, in some specimens, 'balls' resembling 'Choji' in miniature; some elements of 'small notare;' rich 'nioi;' figures in Kamakura style; cap round, sometimes closely welded, or with scattered lines.
The short sword is of the straight type, although sometimes a little bent; breadth and thickness medium; edge slender toward the hilt; in all other particulars the same as the long sword. The back of the nakago is angular; file crosswise or angular. The back of the Tachi's nakago is round, and all blades of his are said to have figure, Ken, and furrows, specimens without figures being rare; the inscriptions consist of two words; although it is said that he signed the 'straightedge' blades only, not those of 'midare.'
Many varieties of the midare of this artist, such as 'Tanzaku,' 'fan-shaped,' 'opened fan-shape,' 'half-moon,' etc., were classified by the old book, but I have omitted them since they are liable to be confusing to beginners, and similar midare appears in the works of Sukesada and other inferior smiths.
As this celebrated artist made blades of extreme variety, we ought to judge them by their general features, for if we rely only upon their welded marks, which are common to all swords, we shall be greatly deceived; but since he was the great and matchless swordsmith, his work has some distinctive and characteristic marks.

(8) Sadamune, in the era of Kenbu; called Hikoshiro.

Blade like Masamune's, but somewhat flatter; the same statement holds true of its back, point, and welding; generally furrowed; many are of the 'notare,' 'midare,' and 'ball-edge' type; with rich 'nie,' ' sunagashi,'and 'lightening.' They greatly resemble the blades of Masamune, but have some elements of ' Notare;' cap round.
The short sword is of the bent type, and wider; some considerably bent, but more thick; some flat specimens are very long and slender toward the hilt; deep 'kayeri,' figure of 'Ken,' Kurikara, Sanskrit letter, etc., in the Kamakura style, or, in otherblades, of ancient Nobukuni, etc.; all have figures; back of nakago angular; file oblique; head pointed and angular; some specimens with round back; file crosswise, or crosswise oblique, the file of the back being the same as that of the plain. Once he inscribed as Sukesada. The blades wrought by him at Takagi of Omi are somewhat inferior, and these are inscribed Hiromitsu, and have the same nakago as the Kamakura work.

(9) Hiromitsu, in the era of Kenbu; called Kurojiro.

The short sword is of the bent type, wide and thin; back triangular; top wide; deep declivity; some specimens are extremely long; irregular woody lines; edge of the Hitasura type, with numerous 'balls,' wide toward the point; 'kayeri' deep; cap with nie, or very irregular midare; back frequently welded; rarely with straight edge. Long swords by Hiromitsu are very rarely seen; they are wide and only slightly bent; ridge somewhat high; furrow deep; quality superior to that of the short sword, which they resemble in all other respects; figures such as Ken, Sanskrit letter, and Kurekara, intricately engraved. Many specimens resemble closely the blades of Hasebe, etc. The back of the nakago is angular; file crosswise; head and back of the blade round; signature 'Hiromitsu, a native of the province Sagami." The uppermost line of the word Hiro is perpendicular. Another consists of the two letters. This is also the case with Hiromasa. Different men sometimes use the same signature.

(10) Akihiro, in the era of Bunwa; younger brother of Hiromitsu; called Kurosaburo.

The general features of the short sword are the same as the blades of Hiromitsu ; midare small; scale large; quality superior: wide sword is very rare; considerably bent and rather slender. The long sword is rare and unskillfully wrought; its blade is much bent and rather narrow; figures numerous and similar to those of Hiromitsu; nakago also the same as Hiromitsu's; signed "Native of Sagami;" the letter Ahi is a So type; the under points of the letter Hiro are oblique. He was a disciple of Sadamune. Even those who were not the disciples of Masamune became more skillful after they came to Kamakura than they had been before. Of such men further details are given in the chapter of their genealogy.

(11) Shimada, in the era of Kosei; lived in Suruga; called Yoshisuke.

Blade of various forms, including swords of medium size; Iori rather deep; some specimens show triangular backs and furrows; point varied; irregulai woody texture; in type ' notare ;' large scale, or Hitasura; some specimens show a richly boiled woody texture, while others have midare of the ' Gunome' type, resembling that of the Sagami class; the straight edge is rarely found; cap is round, has a deep 'kayeri,' and, in some specimens, a scattered midare. The figures are varied.
The short sword is of the slender, straight edge, or of the 'small midare' type; bent wide and shallow, although some specimens are straight and narrow. In all other respects they resemble the long sword; back of the nakago thick; file crosswise; point slender; head round; signature unchanged for many generations.

VII. MINI Class

Most of the swordsmiths of this class came from Yamato, and their blades, therefore, resemble those of the Yamato class; edge straight or midare with 'feet.' Ancient specimens show the regular woody texture, but modern blades have the irregular woody texture; in the work of the Shizu school we see rich nie. There are many skillfully wrought blades, even among the later swords; file mark chiefly Higaki or hawk's feather; or, in some specimens crosswise, or the small oblique; head generally round; in the works of Senjuin some blades are crosswise in the plain and oblique in the ridge. Both ancient and modern swords rarely show the cut and the furrow; ridge usually narrow.

(1) Kaneuji, in the era of Gen 0; a native of Shizu.

Blade, back, and point vary in form; Iori ordinary; some specimens show the triangular back, the irregular woody texture, and the furrow; boils well; midare somewhat rounded, and some specimens have 'balls'; cap round.
The short sword occurs in various forms, and resembles the long sword; some specimens show the straight edge, which, in its finest instances, resembles Samoji's work. Generally speaking, this school of Masamune is distinguished by its small kirikake. The back of the nakago is thick; file crosswise and Higaki; head round. There are many generations of the house of Kaneuji, the later ones being inferior. He afterward became a disciple of Masamune.

(2) Kanenobu, a disciple of Kaneuji; called Naoe Shizu.

Edge with ' Gunome midare,' having 'sunagashi,' in the style of the Sheki class; boils well. There is also a school named after Naoye Shizu, who was a native of Shiga in Awari.

(3) Kinju, in the era of Shoo; a disciple of Masamune.

Blade of various forms; Iori ordinary; some specimens have the triangular back and furrow; point and welding varied; irregular woody texture; midare of the notare type, and small 'Gunome' ; has nie and resembles the minor work of Shizu; round cap.
The short sword is wide and bent; straight-edged in some specimens; in all other respects like the long swords. The back of the nakago is thick; file crosswise; head round.

(4) Kirigio, son of Kinju; in the era of Kenbu.

Edge straight combined with ' Gunome,' or the midare of the Xotare type; fine nie.

(5) Tametsugu, born in Et-chu; a son of Yoshihiro, and a disciple of Norishige.

The short sword (is bent; shallow Iori; triangular back; of the midare type; well boiled or of 'small Gunome,'or of the straight edge form, having ' small feet' or with the edge similar to that of Kinju's; cap round; file crosswise oblique.

(6) Senjuiu, in the era of Shoo; lived in Scki.

His blades are generally of the midare type and irregularly boiled; generally retaining the character of the Seki class; woody texture on the edge, like the work of Shizu and Naoye, and rich nie like Hitatsura's blades; some specimens resemble the Sagami class; file crosswise, but oblique in the ridge. His native country was Yamato, but he afterward removed to. Mino. There were many generations of his house.

(7) Kaneyoshi, in the era of Keireki; called Seki Yoshisada.

Blade slender; ridge narrow; fine; regular woody texture; some swords show the straight edge combined with the 'small midare'; boils slightly; some blades with the Gunome midare; cap round.

(8) Kanesada, in the era of Bunkei.

Midare large; nie and with deep nioi. He was the greatest swordsmith of his age, and his good blades resemble those of Samoji and Shizu.

(9) Hoju, in the era of Teio; a native of Mutsu.

Blade sometimes narrow; point small; Iori shallow; back triangular; irregular woody texture; loose; of the straight, or of the midare type, or else resembling the work of Nobukuni, or of Sheki; some boil, and others not; cap round; figures, the Sanskrit letters, spade-shaped lotus flower, etc., which resemble those of Hasebe, although inferior to his work.
The short sword is either of the straight or the bent type; in all other respects resembles the long sword. The back of the nakago is thick; file crosswise; head round.

(10) Getsusan, in the era of Geno to Meireki; lived in Mutsu or Dewa.

Blade ordinary; small point; furrowed; common Iori; skin the famous ' Ayasugi' (beautiful woody texture of the tree ' sugi'); some do not have this skin, while it appears in others; often split.
The short sword is of various forms; rather small, but sometimes medium; in all other respects resembles the long sword.
The back of the nakago is angular or round; file crosswise, or oblique; head round; edge elevated.

VIII. NORTH COUNTRY Class.

Its nie is mostly deep; has some ' sunagashi'; the scattered line is inferior to the work of other countries, although this is not invariably the case. The later works show deterior ation both in shape and in stuff-iron.

(1) Fuyuhiro, in the era of Koshi; lived in Wakasa.

Blade and Iori ordinary; triangular back and furrow; point rather small; some have the woody texture, which is sometimes very beautiful; ' notare straight,' or ' Gunome midare ' in type, and either large or wide edge. Some specimens are hard without nie, while others boil; some have deep 'nioi.'
The short sword is of various forms; some are medium in size; others have points like long swords.
The back of the nakago is varied; file crosswise or oblique; head round, and higher toward the edge. He was a grandson of Hirotsugu. Many generations succeeded him.

(2) Kuniyasu, in the era of Oei; lived in Echizen.

Blade wide and rather thin; Iori deep; back triangular or round; regular woody line; some stiffness will be found in the stuff-iron on account of premature welding; edge of the 'Gunome' type, combined with the 'reverse feet,' or the straight edge, resembling Fujishima's blades; boils; some specimens have the welded back; woody texture on the margin of the edge. The short sword resembles the long; signed Rai Kuniyashu. The back of the nakago is angular; file great oblique. He is called Echizen Rai; born in Kyo, a descendant of Rai.

(3) Morihiro, in the era of Oei; son of Kuniyasu; lived in Echizen.

Blade wide; edge of the notare type or much scattered notare; back of the nakago round; signature of two letters.

(4) Unozu, in the province of Et-chu.

Blade and point of various forms; furrowed; Iori shallow; back triangular; edge of the great straight or midare type; some specimens are brilliant, and have ' scattered lines,' ' lightening,' etc.; cap varied, some having the irregular midare, and others the round; boils well; some blades are so excellent that they are confounded with the Sagmi class; others show the slender, straight edge. The works of Niudo Kunimitsu are the best of this class. Manv have the woody texture, and the large, boiled, straight edge, etc., while others look like new swords. The quality of the blades is uneven. Generally we see the ' sunagashi' on the edge, and sometimes the woody texture.
The short sword is of many forms; some are medium in size, while others resemble the long swords. The nakago is some times round in the back; file crosswise; head round; signed with the letter Kuni.

(5) Yoshihiro, in the era of Kenbu; lived in Et-chii.

Blade is long and bent; ridge rather wide; Iori deep; furrowed; point sometimes long, although certain specimens have the small point; irregular woody texture; skin very fine: large and wide notare midare; fine, abundant nie; deep nioi; midare always toward the hilt and broad in the side; cap round; kayeri deep; some blades have the ' straight midare ' and are beautiful. The swords of Yoshiro greatly resemble those of Masamune, but the texture of the latter is rough and active, while that of the former is fine and diffuse; the blade is like the finer work of Masamune.
The short sword is rare; straight type, although some specimens are bent and have the triangular back.
The nakago has an angular back; file crosswise; point sharp, shallow, angular head; signature generally lacking. The swords made by Yoshihiro during his residence in Kamakura and signed Yoshihiro, are called Kamakura Go. He was a disciple of Masamune. There was another swordsmith called Yoshihiro of the Senjuin class, but his work is very different from that of Yoshihiro of Et-chii.

(6) Norishige, in the era of Seichu; called Gofukii Go; lived in Et-chii.

Blade long and considerably bent; ridge rather wide and high; furrowed; deep Iori; triangular back; points varied; irregular woody texture which is very beautiful, and found both on the body and on the edge; some blades have no skin, but are of close and beautiful welding; well-boiled midare; with 'sunagashi,' 'lightening,' or 'notare midare'; only rarely of the straight edge or of the 'large midare' type; cap round and with deep 'kayeri.' When Norishige was a disciple of Yoshihiro, his work had the small ridge and an edge which, melting into the stuff-iron, rose hiuch like smoke. When afterwards he became a disciple of Masamune, his blade became very beautiful, with a strongly welded point.
The short sword is of the straight type, narrow and thick, but in all other respects resembles the long sword. The nakago has an angular back; file crosswise; head round; inscription of the wide cut, although some are cut in the Ken shape: signed sometimes as Sayiki Norishige, a native of Gofuku, in the district of Nei, of the province of Et-chu.

(7) Sanekage, in the era of Keubu;a disciple of Norishige; lived in Kaga.

The short sword is bent; Iori common; back triangular; midare combined with 'Gunome,' or with 'nie notare,'or with 'straight edge,' or with one like the work of Fujishima; cap round and deep; kayeri. The long sword is rarely seen. The back of the nakago is angular; file crosswise; head round; signed Fujiwara. Sanekage was born in Et-chu, but afterward removed to Hoki and Echigo.

(8) Tomoshige, in the era of Rareki; a disciple of Rai Kunitoshi; lived in Fujishima of Kaga.

Ridge narrow; Iori common. Some blades shallow and with triangular backs; point small; of the 'middle Gunome' type, with round or irregular midare, having the straight or the double edge only rarely. Xo blades of this artist's work are brilliant, and many resemble the swords of the Seki or Bizen class; cap round or irregular.
The short sword is of various forms and similar in structure to the long sword. Some specimens are of medium size. Tomoshige was a native of Echizen. The nakago has an angular back; file crosswise or crosswise oblique; head angular with sides of the edge somewhat long, which is a general characteristic of Kaga.

(9) Xobunaga, in the era of Oei; lived in Kaga.

Middle Gunome or small Gunome in type, or with an edge resembling Fujishima's work. The short sword has the straight edge. In all other respects his blades resemble those of Fujishima.

(10) Iloseiji, in the era of Kenbu; lived in Yajima; called Kunimitsu.

Blade slender; irregular woody lines; small point; shallow Iori; made many halberds; some of medium size, or of the 'Shobu' class; edge of the ' Choji,' or 'great midare' type, with 'deep feet'; most specimens are not 'boiled,' but have deep ' nioi.' Some blades are of small size, or of the ' Ichimoji' type, or the straight edge. The cap is closely welded. In the case of the halberds the point is usually welded softly for two or three inches. The short sword is rare; but it is straight and narrow.
The nakago has thick back; file crosswise; head rather larger and round.

(11) Kagemasa, in the era of Seio; lived in Inaba.

Blade slender; ridge high; point small; Iori deep; back sometimes triangular; wide, straight edge. Some specimens are of the ' notare,' or ' midare,' or the ' Seki type,' or with the straight edge and 'feet,' or a little boiled; cap round, or, in some blades, with 'scattered lines.'
The short sword is straight and narrow, generallv of the straight edge type. The nakago has an angular back; file crosswise oblique; head round; the letters of the inscription are rather long.

(12) Yasutsuna, in the era of Daido; lived in Hoki.

Blade long and wide; ridge narrow; point small; Iori either shallow or deep; irregular woody texture; with 'small midare'; well boiled; has 'lightening' or 'sunagashi.' Some specimens have the notare edge; cap round; noble and giving all evidences of great age; file crosswise; head round; inscription large; ' Ken' and Sanskrit letter deeply cut and short.

(13) Saiiemori, in the era of Showa; lived in Ohara of Hoki.

Blade long; Iori shallow; point small; lurid, irregular, straight edge, with small midare; some blades show the ' Choji edge' or 'TJchinoke'; boils; cap round; 'Ken' and Sanskrit letters deeply cut; file oblique, either small or large; head round; signature long, wide letters, Ohara Saiiemori, of the Province Hoki, or Gctsu kei Unkyaku.

(14) Doei, in the era of Kakitsu; lived in Izumo.

Blade sometimes medium size, and sometimes of the ' Shobu type'; ridge high; point small; Iori varying with round ' Gunome,' 'midare' or 'Hitatsura,' or having welded back, either with or without nie, or of the slender and hard, straight edge, or of the type with 'small feet'; with the furrow and the figures cut near the center.
The short sword is both straight and bent; nakago with the thick, or the angular back; file middle oblique; head generally round.

IX. IWAMI Class

There are long swords, medium swords and short swords. The ridge is narrow; point varied; Iori both deep and shallow; some specimens with triangular back; irregular woody texture; edge of the medium and small Gunome types, or with the notare midare, or with scattered nie, or with the straight edge; cap varied; figure in the centre, as in Sagami's work. The nakago has the round or angular back; file crosswise oblique or small oblique; head angular, with the longer side toward the edge. In Tadasada's blades, however, the file-mark is the great oblique, while some of Sadasuye's swords show the crosswise file.

(1) Naotsuna, in the era of Kenbu; a disciple of Masamune.

Many of his blades are of large size; point small; cap round.
The short sword is bent, while the other forms resemble the Iwami class.

(2) Sadatsuna, in the era of Meitoku.

Most blades with scattered nie. The short sword is slightly bent; midare of the Utsu type, although some specimens show the 'reverse midare.' In all other respects his swords resemble the work of their class.

(3) Tadasada.

Blade rather wide; of the crowded 'small Gunome,' or of the 'great Gunome' type. The short sword is rarely seen; cap round; in all other respects showing the peculiarities of the Iwami class.

(4) Sadasuye.

The long sword is rare. The medium and short swords are slender and straight; with the straight edge, or, occasionally with midare; cap round. In all other respects these blades resemble the works of the Iwami school.

X. BIZEN Class.

(Works before Genreki are spoken of as belonging to the ' Old Bizen ' class.)
The blade generally has a strong appearance; bent at the middle; Iori sharp or medium; regular or irregular woody texture. Old Bizen has the round welded marks; nie fine, never rough, but generally scanty. It has deep 'nioi.' The edge is of the ' midare;' the ' Choji,' or the straight edge type having 'feet.' Some have a very close resemblance to the Kyo class, which, however, has richer nie, a welded back, and not so much curve as the Bizen class; also like the school of Ichimoji, Rai Kuniyuki, Knnitoshi, or Sadatoshi. Some of the Old Bizen work is like Awadaguchi, having no 'feet' and rarely the ' pure straight edge.' The cap is generally sharp, having kayeri; very rarely round. The figure designs are generally slender; " Kurikara" and "Ken" are mostly cut narrow and placed in the ridge; the Sanskrit letter is unskillfully executed, being open, short, and pointed. Furrow reaches to the small point, furrow point follows the form of the small point of the blade. Most blades have the second furrow which reaches to the nakago. From the era of Hochi on, the furrows are generally wide and shallow, having a round end. Its ' Ken' has the middle ridge; and Sankozuke is deeply cut. Later works may have nie or not; some have the woody texture, but, being coarse, may be judged as Bizen work at once; some, too, are like the later Seki works. Welded back is rare, but occasionally it may be found in the later works. Generally the Bizen swords have 'shadow color' on the body, especially in the work of Kanemitsu. The stuff-iron has a woody texture, called the " Bizen skin; " the iron is somewhat soft. The short swords are of different kinds, but Old Bizeu and Iehimoji class have no short swords. The file-marks are nearly always oblique, but in some of the Old Bizen and Ichimoji the crosswise mark is found; head mostly round; back round and angular.

(1) Sukehira, in the era of Eien, province of Bizen.

Blade narrow and long; Iori common; regular woody texture; boils well; some have oblique skin at hilt; of the skillfully made ' midare ' or the ' large Choji' type, like Norimune, Kumotsugu, etc. Some are of the straight edge, mixed with 'small midare;' point closely welded; back of the nakago thick; file-marks crosswise. Two generations used the same inscription. The first works are superior, and are inscribed as " Bizen no Kuni Sukehira." Occasionally it is said, the blades were inscribed "Motohira."

(2) Kanehiro, province of Bizen.

Blade narrow and slender; Iori and ridge, medium; point small; regular, very fine woody line; deep, wide furrow; of ' small midare,' or ' straight edge type ' combined with the 'small midare;' boils well; woody texture, 'lightening' or ' Uchiyoke ' on the edge; some gay, others gloomy. Some have a large woody texture on the ' midare,' and sometimes, the oblique skin at the hilt; cap round or closely welded. The back of the nakago is thick; file-marks crosswise; head round. He afterwards lived in Kawachi. Some say that this Kanehiro is a different man, not Kanehiro of the era of Eien; but perhaps that is not so, for it is customary to work differently in a different country.

(3) Sukekane, province of Bizen.

Blade narrow and slender; Iori shallow; regular woody texture; some are furrowed; point small; is of the 'small midare' or the straight edge type, having 'small feet,'although some specimens have ' large midare,' and others have ' balls ' and are well boiled; cap round; back of nakago round; file-marks middle oblique; head round. The same inscription is found among the works of the school of Ichimoji. The letters are of large and small types, but lack distinction.

(4) Tomonari, province of Bizen.

Blade long and slender; Iori shallow; some have round back; point small; sometimes the furrow is wide; some have woody texture; the edge is of the 'small midare' type, some having 'reverse feet,' of the straight edge having 'feet,' of the ' small notare edge,' or of the ' Choji edge;' cap round; boils finely, or considerably.
The back of the nakago is round; file-marks crosswise or oblique; head round. On one side the inscription is (reads), ' (Long live the Lord)', and on the reverse side "Tomonari of the Province of Bizen." This sword is used in the festival of the Shogun. Other signatures in use are: " Tomonari/' " Tomo-nari of the Province Bizen," and "Oho." It is said that there were three men using the same inscription.

(5) Nobufusa, province of Bizen.

Blade not broad; point small; irregular woody texture; boils considerably; of the 'notare' combined with 'Choji' type; none has 'great midare.'
The back of the nakago is thick; file-marks oblique; gradually becomes slender toward the point; inscription consists of the two initials. There were two generations of swordsmiths.

(6) Yoshikane, in the era of Choreki.

Blade strong; Iori shallow; small point active, and with skin; is of the ' middle ' or ' wide straight edge ' type, having ' small midare,' or of the ' Choji edge;' ' edge hard;' cap has a little midare or is round and has small 'kayeri.' The back of the nakago is thick; file-marks of different sorts; head round.

(7) Masatsune, in the era of Eien.

Blade narrow and long; mostly of the ridge make; Iori shallow; a fine, beautiful, regular woody texture; point small; is of the 'small midare ' type combined with 'Choji;'or of the large edge having midare, or of the larger make, or of the ' reverse midare;' has nie marks.
There were three generations in Bizen that used the same inscription, but the works of the later generations are inferior; works of the second generation have 'small midare; ' the third generation has ' small midare' at the hilt, but are of the ' straight edge ' type upward from the middle of the blade to the point, which is like Niji Kunitoshi.
The back of the nakago is thick; file-mark crosswise oblique; head mostly round. There were two Masatsunes called " Ino Masatsune," besides the Masatsunes of Bit-chu and Tsukuchi, making five Masatsunes in all.

XI. ICHIMOJI Class

There is no short sword. Larger structure is rare; the back of Iori is shallow; mostly of the ridge make; point small; is of 'Choji midare' type; nioi deep; nie scanty; has the ' reverse midare ' both large and small; cap round, sometimes it has a welded back.
The back of the nakago is thick; file-marks crosswise; head round. The work of Yoshioka Ichimoji has furrow; point somewhat long; Iori deep. The edge of the midare of his work has less nioi than Ichimoji, and is ordinary; file-njarks great oblique; straight edge very rarely seen.

(1) Norimune, in the era of Genreki.

Blade slender; ridge narrow; of the ridge make; Iori shallow; point small; fine, beautiful, irregular woody texture like Kyo work; of the 'Choji' edge, having 'balls,' of the 'small midare,' having ' reverse feet,' or ' Uchinoke,' or of that having the broad edge in the point; some nie mark; very skillfully made.
The nakago has thick back, file-marks great or middle oblique; point slender; head round. Among the Tachi of this class there are the works made by the Emperor Gotoba, which are known as " Kikugukuri." (The details are given under the Kyo class.) On the swords which Norimune made, while he was in the royal service, he signed himself " Norimune" at the head of the nakago, this being the custom of all the swordsmiths in the royal service. Sometimes he cut the figure of the Kiku (chrysanthemum) flower of sixteen petals above his name, or, again, the word " Ichi" (one). There is another skillful smith in Nagafune who also uses "Norimune." The edge is of the ' midare ' in the middle and waist, and of the ' wide straight edge' in the point; fine, regular woody texture, like Masatsune; mostly inscribed as "a native of Nagafune " in a slender type.
The nakago is like that of the royal smith. There are many men who use the same inscription.

(2) Yasunori, in the era of Genreki; son of Norimune.

Blade slender and considerably curved; ridge, narrow; Iori deep; of regular woody texture; very fine skin; ' small midare;' boils: like Norimune. Many features are common to both, but the work of the son is far inferior to that of the father.

(3) Sukemune, era of Genreki.

Blade is wide and longer in its point; Iori common; those having the inscriptions are slender; like Kunitoshi (of Niji); of fine, regular woody texture, the ' notare edge' having the 'down feet,' nie at the point of the ' midare;'some have ' waist edge;' is called Dai (great) Ichimoji; inscription an engraved Kiku (chrysanthemum flower), and the number "Ichi"; file-marks oblique; head round.

(4) Sukenari, the same province as Sukemune.

Blade somewhat wide; Iori common; regular woody lines; ' midare' resembles that of Sukemune. Although his work was inferior when he signed as " Sukeshi," yet he became skillful after he was appointed royal smith.

(5) Sukenobu, the same province as Sukemune.

Blade slender, fine, regular woody lines; 'small midare,' or having fine 'Choji;' nie; has unrefined appearance, but is nevertheless skillfully made.

(6) Nobufusa, the same province as Sukemune.

Blade slender; ridge high; Iori common; regular woody lines; of the 'Choji edge,'having the 'large midare;' nie fine; sometimes 'small midare.'
The nakago has the round back; file-marks crosswise or oblique; head round.

(7) Nobufusa, the same province as Sukemune.

Blade appears strong; stiff at hilt; Iori common; point small; fine woody texture, of the ' small midare' type, of which some are equal and slender to the top, and others a little wider; sometimes of the 'Choji edge' like Norimune. Cap round or closely welded.
The nakago has round back; file-mark's crosswise, small or large oblique; head round.

(8) Nobumasa, in the era of Tei o; son of Nobufusa.

Blade thin and slender, resembling the work of his father; ridge high; Iori deep; regular woody texture; of the skillfully made midare, which is closely welded -at the point, and somewhat curved.

(9) Muneyoshi, in the era of Genreki.

Blade slender; Iori shallow; point small; fine and beautiful, regular woody texture; with ' small midare ' or ' Choji,' having 'balls;' has 'nie' and 'nioi;' cap round; nakago with round back; file crosswise, or small or medium oblique; head round, and generally quite large, with Ichimoji; although in the blades of Norimune and Muneyoshi it is thin and slender.

(10) Yoshimune, a son of Muneyoshi; in the era of Gennin.

His blades are the same as those of Muneyoshi's, although some of his edges are stained.

(11) Yoshimochi, a son of Sukiyoshi; in the era of Bunei.

His blades resemble those of Muneyoshi, but are not brilliant, while some specimens have the straight edge and feet.

(12) Yoshiiye, in the era of Kenreki; the son of Muneyoshi.

Blade slender; Iori common; regular woody lines and fine woody texture; very fine point; with excellent 'Choji' which is broad toward the top; some specimens have 'Chikei.' Yoshiiye's work resembles Norimune's, yet some say he is identical with "Sanjo Yoshiiye," whose blades resemble his very closely, although they are entirely different, the Bizen class having the nakago inscribed on the ridge as "manufactured by Yoshiiye" and with the oblique file, while the Sanjo type has the mikado inscribed on the plain as " made by Yoshiiye," and with the crosswise file, besides having its edge well boiled and broad at the hilt.

(13) Yoshihira, son of Yoshiiye.

Blade curved; ridge high, wide and strong; Iori shallow; point small; beautiful regular woody texture, but a trifle lurid; 'plain Choji edge' in type, having deep 'nioi'; some points are broad, while others resemble Moriije's work; some specimens have the ' waist edge,' and others have an edge like a shadow, sometimes invisible and sometimes visible; cap round; back of the nakago thick; file crosswise or oblique.

(14) Yoshifusa, in the era of Kenpo.

Blade wide; ridge high; Iori deep; point small; regular woody lines; lurid skin; of the 'Choji' type, having 'large reverse midare'; point sharp; some specimens have 'balls,' or the woody texture both on body and edge; 'nioi' deep; no nie; caps closely welded; back of the nakago thick; file great oblique; head round; inscription small.
The three generations of Yoshifusa used the same inscription, but in larger type; all have the 'Choji edge.' There was also another swordsmith of the same name, whose edge is straight and with ' small midare,' while still another lived in Bit-chii, the two being sometimes confounded.

(15) Yoshimoto; son of Yoshifusa.

His blades resemble those of Yoshifusa; some have 'midare' and ' Choji,' but the edge has a hurried and ordinary appearance. He was an adopted son of Sukeyoshi.

(16) Sadazane, of the same era as Yoshimoto.

Blade somewhat slender but thick; ridge narrow; Iori deep; fine, regular woody texture with visible 'waist edge'; of the ' notare' type, with brilliant 'reverse feet'; the 'Choji. edge' is rare; upper edge broad. In the cap, the round, straight edge has a slight 'kayeri,' and has a hard, loose appearance, with fine nie marks.

(17) Chikakane, in the era of Koan.

Blade slender; Iori deep; point small; woodv texture; of the 'small midare' type, as in the blades of Bijen, or Yoshihira; midare scanty toward the point; boils gradually; cap round; back of the nakago thick; file oblique.

(18) Norifusa, in the era of Kenpo; son of Sukefusa; lived in Takatsu; called "Takagama Umanojo."

Blade much curved; ridge thick; Iori common; regular woody texture; stuff-iron with a clear hard back; 'Choji' both large and small; irregular "feet" which may be seen on the blade, combined with a brilliant 'small midare.'

(19) Koresuke, younger brother of Norifusa.

Iori shallow; point small; rich woody texture; lurid skin; of the straight edge type, with 'small midare'; cap round; back thick ; file oblique; head round.

(20) Sukezane, in the era of Buni; younger brother of Koresuke; disciple of Norimune.

Blade is considerably curved and long; ridge average and strong in formation; point and Iori average or shallow; irregular woody texture; skin fine. Some blades have the welded back like the large swords of Ichimoji; 'midare' and ' Choji ' large; some specimens have nie, and the 'choji' of certain ones is very brilliant and noble; edge exquisite and clear; cap round; back thick; tile small oblique; head round; inscription biliteral. Sukezane became more skillful after he removed to Kamakura." He was the ancestor of Togenji.

(21) Sukemitsu, in the era of Teiei; called Yoshioka Ichimoji.

Blade long and stiff; Iori shallow; fine, regular woody edge; 'small midare' with 'reverse feet,' and, in the upper part, straight edge, with 'small feet'; file oblique; head generally round; inscribed with his initials, or " Sukemitsu, a native of Yoshioka of the province Bizen."

(22) Sukeyoshi, in the era of Kenpo; was the father of Sukemitsu.

His work resembles that of Sukemitsu; edge broad, with 'reverse midare,'as in the blades of Ichimoji; some specimens are of large size.

(23) Sanetoshi, in the era of Teiji; son of Yoshizane.

Blade slender; ridge rather highly curved; Iori shallow; regular woody texture; rough skin; fine woody texture both on body and edge; edge with 'small midare' at the hilt; and 'large Choji' in the centre, which lacks distinction. In some specimens, resembling Moriiye's work; 'scattered feet' appear toward the point. Some blades have 'Sunagashi,' and others have 'shadowy waist edge'; cap broad; file oblique. Hiroyoshi, the son of Norifusa, and two other men in the era of Shoo, used a similar inscription.

(24) Kunimune, in the era of Rekijin; removed afterward to Sagami; called "Bizen Saburo."

Blade long and thick; point slender; Iori shallow; irregular woody texture; rough and lurid skin ; the edge has rich ' midare ' at the middle; some ' notare' tending upward and toward the point; generally of the wide, straight edge type, having deep ' feet'; some are of the ' Choji' edge type, both large and small; stains on the edge are frequent; cap round and lacks rich nie marks, perhaps owing to imperfect welding; some have deep 'nioi'; back thick; file oblique; head round. Nothing is known about his short swords. While living in Rokukara in Kyo, he inscribed as "Kuninao." Figures are rare. His son, Masamune, also signed himself as " Kunimune."

(25) Moriiye, in the era of Hoji; a native of Hadakeda.

Ridge rather wide; Iori shallow; point small; fine, regular woody lines, occasionally a trifle lurid; 'Choji edge,' having ' large midare ' at hilt and ' small midare' at the point. Shape of ' Choji' is somewhat angular. Some blades have the Hyotan edge, or 'double Choji'; while others have the 'visible waist edge,' which is broad, or 'notare edge,' or that with 'Utsuri,' or stain on the edge; cap round. The short sword is rare, and of the narrow straight type; back thick; file oblique; head round; signed by his two letters, or as "made by Kurijiri •Moriiye." His grandson used the same signature. His 'Choji edge' is far inferior, and in his ' Hyotan ' there is no double edge. The letter 'Mori' of his name differs from that of his grandfather, which is written in a different script. Iesuke and another swordsmith of the Nagafune class also used the same signature.

(26) Sanemori, in the era of Kenji; grandson of Moriiye.

His work resembles that of Moriiye; Iori shallow; point small; skin somewhat rough; edge of 'large midare' or 'Choji,' or with the 'reverse midare.' The straight edge has 'reverse feet' or small nie; many have stains on the edge; cap round. Nothing is known about the short sword. Thick back; crosswise file; round head; the same inscription is found in Hoki, but in a larger script.

(27) Tochika, lived in Hadakeda; father of Moriiye.

His work generally resembles that of Sanemori; appearance strong; some specimens with the 'Choji edge.'

(28) Mitsutada, in the era of Hoji; lived in Nagafune.

Blade strong at centre, bent at hilt, sometimes thick and wide; generally furrowed; Iori shallow; point small; regular woody edge; skin of woody texture, a trifle lurid, but resembling a 'large Choji' of skillful make; some have boiled marks, others the 'double Choji,' and still others have 'deep midare feet' on the stuff-iron and point. The chief care is the edge; skin occasionally is rough. There is no short sword; back thin; file oblique; head mostly round.

(29) Nagamitsu (Junkei), in the era of Keneho; lived in Nagafune.

Blade like Mitsutada; nearly all are furrowed; Iori shallow; poiut small; fine, beautiful, regular woody lines; very skillfully executed ' Choji edge,' the 'midare' having round heads like scattered cherry-flowers. Some have ' Chikei,' or 'lightening'; woody texture on edge; has brilliant, deep 'nioi.' Some have 'Choji' at the hilt, and the wide, straight edge, combined with the 'midare' at the point. The cap has 'midare,' or, with some, the ' Utsuri.' Short sword is rare and inferior. Back thin; file oblique; head mostly round.

(30) Nagamitsu (Sakonshogen), son of the aforesaid Nagamitsu; in the era of Shoo.

His work resembles that of his father. Blade slender and thick; furrowed, or doubly furrowed; Iori medium; skin sometimes rather lurid, as in the swords of his father Junkei, but inferior; large scale rare; some blades have 'lightening'; edge with 'small midare,' or 'middle midare,' having 'feet,' or it appears to be the simple straight edge, or resembles the work of Kagemitsu; Iori sometimes deep; cap round. The short sword is rare, thick and dry; with 'small midare,' although the straight edge occasionally occurs; cap of various forms; figure designs are cut like 'Ken,' 'furrow,' etc.; the nakago is like Junkei's work, and is sometimes signed Xagafune."

(31) Sauenaga, in the era of Seio; lived in Nagafune; a disciple of Junkei.

Blade is like that of Nagamitsu; Iori shallow; furrowed; point small; regular woody lines; skin brilliant, though somewhat lurid; edge with ' small midare'; 'small Choji,' or straight, although some specimens show the 'middle straight' edge, with pointed 'feet,' or resemble the blades of Aoye or Nagamitsu; cap. round and occasionally somewhat boiled. Short swords unknown. Thick back; oblique file; round head; signed with his two initials, generally in long script, although some are signed "Taira."

(32) Kagehide, in the era of Hoji; lived in Nagafune; younger brother of Mitsutada.

Blade stiff and narrow; ridge broad; Iori shallow; point small; skin is a little lurid; of the 'midare' edge, which is of the darkened, ' reverse midare ' clearing at the margin of the edge. Sometimes has the 'broad notare' or the broad edge. The cap is round, or has a little 'kayeri'; some boil; welded back. Thick back; great oblique file; round hand. Short sword is not known.

(33) Kagemitsu, in the era of Keicho; son of Junkei.

Blade thick; ridge narrow and angular; width medium; Iori deep; point small; regular woody grain, which is fine and of the Noshihada type; a trifle lurid; the edge is of the Nokogiri class, with 'small midare,' or the straight edge, combined with the 'Nokogiri,' while some specimens have the midare visible in the stuff-iron, or show the nie, or the pure, straight edge type; cap straight-edged; point round. The short sword is straight and narrow, with triangular back; ' Nokogiri' or straight edge in type; cap straight or pointed. The short sword is superior to the long. Back thick or angular; file oblique; head round. This blade is called the Kagemitsu type, while those with the broad back are termed "Kagemitsu make."

(34) Kagemasa, in the era of Koo.

Some of his blades have the furrow, while others are of the ridge type. They generally resemble Kagemitsu's swords, with the 'Nokogiri' edge, having 'small reverse midare,' which in some specimens is visible on the stuff-iron. The short sword is like Kagemitsu's work, both with small and large 'midare'; some blades have figures; back thick; file oblique; head round.

(35) Yoshimitsu, in the era of Kenbu; lived in Nagafune; son of Kagemitsu.

Blade furrowed; Iori deep; points varying; of the 'Nokogiri' type, or with 'notare'; rarely of the straight edge class. The short sword is straight; edge straight, or combined with the 'Nokogiri' edge, or resembling the work of Kanemitsu; back angular; file oblique; head round.

(36) Kanemitsu, in the era of Kenbu; lived in Nagasumi; son of Kagemitsu; a disciple of Masamune.

Blade broad; Iori deep; back triangular; point medium; slender furrow, terminating in round form, about a half sun above the hilt; irregular woody lines, which are lurid and visible on the stuff-iron; no nie marks; of the 'Nokogiri,' 'notare,' or wide, straight edge type, with 'feet'; cap round or pointed. The short sword is curved, thin and wide, or straight and long; in type of the 'Nokogiri,' ' notare,' or 'notare' combined with 'Nokogiri'; some blades show the straight edge; cap as in the work of Yoshimitsu; back thin or angular; file oblique; head round. Skillfully cut figures such as ' Ken' or ' Kurikara,'which is'short. After Kanemitsu became a disciple of Masamune, his work developed brilliancy; before that the blade was narrow and had the ' midare of small feet.'

(37) Moromitsu, son of Kanemitsu.

(38) Moromitsu, Tomomitsu and Kanemitsu produced work nearly similar.

(39) Yoshikage, almost like Kanemitsu.

(40) Kanenaga, in the era of Koreki, son of Naganao.

His blades closely resembled those of Kanemitsu; nie.

(41) Tomomitsu.

Blade medium or wide; Iori deep; back triangular; has figures; is of the 'great notare,' or of the ' Gunome' type; combined with 'midare'; different caps. The short sword is curved, wide and thin. Some blades are of the 'great notare,' while others are of the ' small notare' type, combined with sharp 'feet'; back angular; file marks oblique; head round. He was a son of Kanemitsu; lived in Nagafune; in the era of Teiji.

(42) Hidemitsu, in the era of Oei.

Edge resembles Tomomitsu; of the 'Nokogiri,' or the ' reverse midare' type.

(43) Morikage, the same era as Hidemitsu.

Edge resembles Tomomitsu; of the large make, or of the slender straight edge.

(44) Masamitsu, in the era of Teiji; lived in Nagafune; a disciple of Kanemitsu.

Blade flat; Iori deep; back triangular; point small or medium; edge of the 'Nokogiri' or combined with the 'notare,' while other specimens show 'round Gunome'; nie lacking; cap varying, but with 'midare.' The short sw'ord is curved and rather wide, and resembles the long sword, although some specimens have the straight edge; back angular; file oblique; head round.

(45) Motomitsu, in the era of Teiji; lived in Nagafune; a disciple of Kanemitsu.

All his swords resemble the work of Masamitsu, although his blades have slight nie marks.

(46) Motomasa, of the same era as Motomitsu.

All his swords resemble the work of Motomitsu; welded edge somewhat hard in its margin; ' midare ' fine; nie scanty and somewhat coarse.

(47) Choji, in the era of Kenbu; lived in Nagafune; a disciple of Masamune.

Blade wide and thin; point medium; Iori deep or triangular; ridge sharp; furrowed; irregular woody lines and lurid skin; with ' notare edge,' large ' reverse midare' of ' notare' type, while some specimens show ' Gunome ' or the ' Hitatsura,'combined with 'reverse midare'; edge widened toward the point, and with rich nie; cap either round or sharp, and with very deep 'kayeri.' The short sword is curved, wide and thin, but in all other respects it resembles the long sword, although some specimens are too long and have all the characteristics of the Kamakura class; back thick; file-marks oblique; head round; large inscription. His work before he became the disciple of Masamune differed from his father's style.

(48) Motoshige, in the era of Kenbu; lived in Nagafune; became a disciple of Sadamune.

Blade wide, thick, or medium; Iori deep; point medium; a lurid, woody texture like that of the Bit-chu class; no nie; is of the medium straight edge, combined with 'reverse feet,' or with ' nokogori,' or of unusnal make, such as ' balled midare '; cap round. The short sword is straight or bent, otherwise resembles the long sword; some are of 'notare' edge; back varying; file-marks oblique; head round. He afterward lived in Hikara of Hoki.

(49) Chikakage, in the era of Shoo; a disciple of Nagamitsu. His blades resemble Motoshige's work.

(50) Shigezane, the same era as Chikakage; afterward became a disciple of Sadamune.

His work resembles Motoshige's work, although some blades are of the small ' Nokogiri' with 'small feet.'

(51) Sukekuni, in the era of Gentoku; lived in Kokubuji.

Iori deep; point small; of the straight edge type, combined with the "small midare"; some specimens have scattered nie marks; with 'Uchinoke.' The short sword is very rare; back thick; file medium or large and oblique; head generally round.

(52) Unsho, a priest; in the era of Kensho; lived in Ukai.

Blade slender; ridge wide; Iori deep; fine, regular woody texture; skin lurid; of the ' small midare' type, combined with 'reverse feet,' although some specimens show the straight edge, while others have ' feet'; nie either scanty or considerable ; cap round, or with slight 'kayeri.' The short sword is very rare; of the straight type; back both thin and angular; small oblique file; round head. Unsho's son (in the era of Bunpo), used the same signature as his father.

(53) Uiiji, a son of Unsho; in the era of Bunpo; lived in Ukai.

Ridge wide, and either low or high; Iori medium; point small; skin lurid; of ' small midare' type, or of straight edge, combined with ' small midare,' although some blades have 'midare' at the hilt, and 'feet' toward the top; rich nie mark; cap very round, or with slight 'kayeri.' In some instances it resembles the Bit-chu class. The short sword is rare; straight or slightly curved; back thick; great oblique file; round head. Four swordsmiths have used the same signature.

(54) Unju, in the era of Kenbu; lived in Ukai; son of the younger Unsho.

Blade wide; ridge broad; Iori deep; point varying; skin lurid; of the 'small midare' type, or with the straight edge, having the ' small midare'; rich nie marks; cap round. The short sword is curved; back wide or triangular; some specimens are of the straight edge type, although in all other respects they resemble the long sword; back thick; great oblique file; head round.

XII. YOSHII Class

In the era of Shoo or Oei.
Blade thick, angular or medium; Iori deep, or with triangular back; some points are slightly longer than usual; lurid skin; edge of straight or 'small midare'type, with 'feet,' although some are of the hard, slender, straight type, while others are Rickiki, with the 'round Gunome midare,' or with a woody texture and 'sunagashi,' both on the body and edges; cap varying; nie mark sometimes present. The short sword is either curved or straight, but in all other respects it resembles the long sword. The nakago has different kinds of backs; file oblique; head round. In the case of 'Naganori' the edge is thick; Iori shallow; of the ' Gunome' or the straight type, combined with 'small midare' or 'feet,' or with spotted skin, resembling Aoye's blades. This class also includes Kagenori, the son of Kagehide of Nagafune, Yoshinori, Kiyonori, and others.

XIII. BIT-CHU Class

Blade narrow or wide; Iori deep; three-angled or round back; small, large or long point; generally the furrow is narrow. Figures such as 'Ken ' and Sanskrit letters are rare. Skin lurid and of so-called 'Namagu' skin; in some cases, showing regular and beautiful texture.
There are many varieties of the short sword. In the Katayama class, the long sword is rare, attention being devoted to the 'Naginata' (halberd), having the large point. The edge, with but few exceptions, is straight, but show 'feet, 'small feet,' or 'reverse midare'.
Some of the Naginata are of larger make. The margin of the edge is clear and distinct; nioi slender; nie fine; some have small or middle straight edge. The cap may be round or pointed, or have deep 'kayeri.' The nakago has a thick back, oblique file, and rounded head. Some have the crosswise or ' Higaki' file-mark, but the edge, in that case, is thicker.

(1) Sadatsugu, in the era of Genreki; lived in Aoye.

Blade slender; ridge narrow; is of the straight or the 'small midare' type, and apt to have ' small midare' at the hilt, and the wide, straight edge, having ' small feet' at the middle; much nie; some have 'large midare'; skin tolerably good. His work was skillfully done, as befitted a royal smith. Sadatsugu's swords do not at all resemble the common Bit-chu class. The signature consists of his two initials in large type, but sometimes the inscription is "Yasu." Swords inscribed " Osumi Gonnosuke Taira no Sadatsugu" are the work of a different man, who, though frequently signing as "Sadatsugu," carved the character ' tsugu' differently. He also made short swords. His work is inferior.

(2) Tsugiiye, in the era of Genreki; son of Sadatsugu.

The blade is curved from the hilt; thick back; shallow Iori; steep ridge; edge of small, but wide midare upward from the middle; oblique file.

(3) Tsunetsugu, contemporary with Tsugiiye.

The blade is considerably bent, and has a common appearance; Iori shallow; point small; regular woody lines; of 'small midare,' 'small reverse midare,' or straight edge; cap round; short sword of the straight make; inscribed in a large letter; some have crosswise file. There are other makers using the same inscription.

(4) Yoshitsugu.

Long and small swords are of the straight, 'small midare,' or the 'notare' types; in general, of irregular make. Welding seems to be bad.

(5) Moritsugu.

Blade wide; stuff-iron has a hard and ugly appearance; filemark distinct.

(6) Tsuguyoshi.

Deep 'feet' and 'Uchinoke.' His short swords resemble the blades of Shintogo.

(7) Masatsune, in the era of Genreki; lived in Bit-chu; a disciple of Tsuneto.

Blade long, slender, and considerably bent; Iori shallow. Some have the rounded back; narrow ridge; small point; fine, regular woody lines; lurid skin; straight edge, mixed with ' reverse midare,'or one like common "Aoye"; cap round; fine nie; a few have the 'lightening' or 'Hakikake,' etc.; angular back ; great oblique file; slender point; round head.

(8) Katayama, called Katayama Ichimoji; lived in Bit-chu.

Breadth and thickness medium; Iori medium; small or large point; Naginata (halberds) numerous; short sword unknown; is of the 'large, reverse midare,' or 'simple midare'; nie may be numerous or scanty; cap round or pointed; deep ' kayeri'; angular back ; oblique file; round head. Almost all are unsigned.

(9) Ietsugu.

Closely resembles the work of the great Ichimoji; boils; deep ' nioi' j some have regular ' feet' or ' midare' on the ridge. It is said that Katayama has regularly arranged 'feet,' and the straight edge welded widely above the Fukura.

XIV. MIHARA (of Bungo) Class.

Ridge high; narrow or bent; frequently furrowed; Iori common, shallow or backed; points vary. Even though it belongs to the regular woody line class, it has the appearance of the complicated woody texture. Sometimes the skin is lurid. Many are of the straight edge type, having ' Uchinoke'; or of 'Uehinoke' mixed with ' small reverse feet,' with or without nie mark. The cap may be either round or pointed. Short sword is of the straight type, thick and narrow; occasionally curved and thin; some have 'great midare.' Other points are like the long sword. Nakago has the angular back, crosswise file, slender point, and round head.

(1) Masaiye, in the era of Showa; lived in Mihara.

Chiefly of the Mihara type; some have ' small midare-' at the hilt and a wide, straight edge, having the 'feet' at the point, which is too long; cap round; Tachi of the straight edge is like the old Seki class. The blades of Masahiro and Masanobu greatly resemble his, having straight edges, with rich nie. There are many generations of workers in Mihara, all closely resembling eaeh other. Masaiye and Masahiro are the most skillful among them.

(2) Ichijo, in the era of Seikei; lived in Mihara; called Hokke Ichijo.

Blade slender; ridge high; Iori is commoner with a triangular back; point rather long; with a small or 'medium midare'; with the ' Hitatsura ' or the straight edge, having a ' scattering midare'; caps varying; nie marks frequently coarse and abundant. The short sword is either bent or straight, but similar in other respects to the long sword. File crosswise; head round.

(3) Kaimihara, a native of Kai.

Ridge high; blade thick; Iori of different sorts; small points; wide, straight-edged in type; 'midare' small and no nie. His work is occasionally of the ' small Gunome' type, or resembles the common Mikara. Short swords are rare. The file is oblique or crosswise; point slender; head round.

(4) Tatsufusa, a native of Onomichi.

Ridge high; Iori common, or with a triangular back; edge cither of- the distinct straight edge type, or of the 'Gunome midare' of the 'reverse' variety. Some have ' Uchinoke,' 'great Gunomc,' or a little nie; carved designs numerous; cap round. The short sword is straight or bent, while some are middle-sized. In all other respects they resemble the long sword. The nakago has a different back; file crosswise, ' hawk's feather,'or 'Sakami'; head angular. In the school of Mihara there are many generations of Goami which are of the ' Gunome ' type. A branch of the family worked for many generations in Tomo, their blades resembling those of Hitatsura.

(5) Nio, in the era of Bnuku; lived in Suo.

Ridge high; Iori common; point small; type distinct straight edge, with 'Uchinoke' or nie, although it may also have the 'midare' or the 'great Gunome'; some have a 'midare' of the Seki type; cap round. The short sword is straight or bent, and also occurs in different widths and thicknesses; some being of medium size. In all other respects they resemble long swords. Figures are numerous, and the nakago resembles Tatsufusa's work. These swords are called Nio saburo, and there are many generations of this name.

(6) Akikuni, in the. era of Geiwa; a disciple of Yasnkichi; lived in Nagato.

Blade narrow and thick; point small; Iori common or with a triangular back. 'Gunome midare'; well boiled and with 'sunagashi'; caps of different types; sometimes the blades have the slender straight edge. The short sword is straight, generally of the shobu type. There are also medium swords which are like long swords. File crosswise; end broad; head round.

(6a)Yasuyoshi, in the era of Kenbu; lived in Nagato; born in Chikuzen.

His blades resemble the work of Hidari and Yasnkichi. They have nie marks, and some are of the straight edge. The Choshu blades are slightly inferior.

(7) Sairen, in the era of Buno; lived in Chikuzen.

Blade wide; ridge rather wide; backs vary, some being round, while the majority have the deep furrow; fine, regular, woody lines; stuff-iron somewhat stiff. Some have the slender, straight edge, with 'small midare'; fine nie marks on the edge; cap round. The short sword is bent or straight; breadth and thickness medium. Some of them are of the Shobu type; back thick; large, oblique file; head round; inscribed as "Seiren," "Kuniyoshi," "Hoshi Sairen," "Kuniyoshi of Dangisho," or " Hakata, of the Province Chukizen."

(8) Jitsua, in the era of Seio; son of Seiren; lived in Chikuzen.

Blade somewhat slender; point small; back round; sometimes furrowed; fine, depressed, irregular woody texture, which may also be seen on the edge; 'straight edge' or the 'small midare' type, bears a general but inferior resemblance to Seiren's work.

(9) Hidari, in the era of Gen6; son of Jitsua, and disciple of Masamune; native of Okihama in Chikuzen.

Blade wide; ridge high; mostly furrowed; deep Iori; back of various types; fine, beautiful, irregular woody lines; point generally very long. His ' notare midare' has coarse, rich nie, sharp at the point, and with a slight 'reverse' appearance; cap pointed and with deep 'Kayeri,' rich nie and '' midare.' This cap is peculiar, the figures being frequent. Short swords are curved, although occasionally straight ones are found. They may be wide or narrow, but are generally thick; sometimes they are of the straight edge class, with fine, beautiful, irregular woody lines, which are sometimes almost invisible. Back thick; great oblique file; point slender; inscribed as "Hidari, a native of Chiku-Province," an inscription which sometimes appears on both sides; sometimes inscribed as "Genkei."

(10) Yasukichi, in the era of Kenbu; son of Hodari; lived in Chikuzen ; afterward in Nagato.

His short sword is bent, often thick; Iori deep, or with triangular back; skin beautiful, but not of great excellence; some are too long at fukura; is of the 'midare' in the 'small Gunome' type, which sometimes has nie marks extend through the body of the blade. The caps vary. The long sword is rare, and is longer at the point; otherwise it resembles the short sword in all particulars; some edges are wide in the upper half, and have 'reverse feet.' Thick back; great oblique file; slender point; roundhead; some swords have file-marks oblique at the 2>lain and crosswise at the ridge; inscribed as "Hidari Yasukichi," or as "Yasukichi." Later blades are inferior.

(11) Yoshisada, son of Yasukichi.

His blades closely resemble those of Yasukichi; some with small, large, or extra large ' notare.

(12) Sadayoshi.

His work resembles that of his brother Yasuyoshi.

(13) Kunihiro, in the era of Teiwa; descendant of Hidari; lived in Chikugo.

His long and short swords are both like Hidari's; irregular woody lines: mostly furrowed; with well boiled 'Hitatsura,' and ' midare,' of the straight edge or of the large or small ' midare '; cap with deep 'Kayeri' and either round or pointed; points unusually long; file crosswise. He lived in Aki in the era of Kenbu.

(14) Moritaka, in the era of Buno; called Kongobyoe; lived in Chikugo.

Blade considerably bent; ridge narrow; furrowed; Iori deep or with triangular back; point small; medium, middle straight edge; sometimes rather slender; slight boil; although occasionally no nie is present. Some have 'Uchinoke,' and more rarely 'small midare"; no 'nioi,' common in type; cap round. The short sword is straight and generally thick, with angular back and crosswise file; extremely broad and common; angular head.

(15) Miike, in the era of Shoho; called Denta; lived in Chikugo.

Blade and ridge wide and thin; generally with shallow and wide furrows, but occasionally with narrow furrow; backs vary, some being round; small point; fine, beautiful, irregular lines; edge, 'small midare' or straight, the latter having 'little feet' or those characteristics of the larger types; cap round and fine nie. The works of his advanced years are very noble. Those of his middle life resemble the works of Seiren, Yenju, etc., while his later works are sometimes like the Bizen or Takata class in their 'midare.' The short sword is straight, and of varying width and thickness. There are also swords of medium size; back thick; crosswise file; round head. Some, however, are of the small or large oblique, or 'lligeki.'

(16) Shinsoku, in the era of Wado; said to be. a priest of the Usa temple in Bizen.

Blade thick and dry; ridge narrow; back generally round and furrowed; fine, irregular woody lines; stuff-iron bright; has nie; slender, straight edge in type; with 'little feet,' or resembling the ' midare' edge class. The short sword is straight; round back; file crosswise and a little downward; head generally rounded; signed with the two letters of his name in large cut; or inscribed as " Hoto Shinsoku " or "Senshii Banzai." In the latter case, however, we must remember that the works of Yukihira, Xagamaro, etc., are similarly signed.

(17) Sadahide, in the era of Kao; father of Yukihiro; lived in Bungo; called Genzanhoshi.

Blade long and slender; point small; fine, irregular lines, or very fine, glittering, regular woody lines; furrow shallow; of the slender, straight edge type, with 'small feet'; deep 'nioi'; nie 'sunagashi,' or 'lightening.' The color of the edge is vague, sometimes almost invisible; the cap has 'Hakikaki'; uakago has round back and oblique file; point slender; inscribed as "Sadahide" or "Sadahide, a priest of Bungo." He is said to have become a swordsmith at the age of thirty-two.

(18) Yukihira, in the era of Kennin; lived in Bungo; called Ki Shindayu.

Blade slender; point close; ridge narrow; Iori deep or with triangular back; of the fine, regular, straight line type; edge with straight, or 'little no tare,' or 'small midare,' or with numerous spots in the stuff-iron; has no nie; deep 'nioi'; (some, however, show a fine nie); cap closely welded. The short sword is bent or straight; and either wide or narrow. All have the figure of ' Kurikara in Hitsu,' (which is short, deep, and not at all angular,) in addition to the 'ken,' or Sanskrit letters; nakago with round back and thick in its plain; great common, or small, oblique file, or with some ' Tsuchimesen' or 'shi'; point very slender; round head; inscription cut in the long letter, as "Hoshi," "Arikaze," " Muneyasu," or " Munehide." The short sword inscribed sometimes by the two initials.

(19) Masatsune, in the era of Tenpuku; disciple of Yukihira; lived in Bungo; called Kino Masatsune.

Blade slender; point small; Iori shallow; rarely furrowed; almost invisibly fine, regular lines; some with the shadowy 'jifu'; edge is of the straight type, with 'small feet,' 'notare,' 'great midare,' 'midare' combined with 'small choji' or with rich nie; cap round and straight-edged like Yukihira's work; uakago with the thick back; crosswise, oblique file; round head. He was a son of the daughter of Yukihira.

XV. TAKATA Class,

In the era of Kenbu.
The short sword is bent, wide, and in some specimens, thin; backs varying; 'Gunome' small; cap pointed; some are boiled. The long sword is rare.

(1) Taira Osamori, in the era of Oei.

Ridge high and stiff; of the regular woody line type; with straight and 'midare edge'; some are boiled; cap round; figures are minutely cut and dull.
There are many men belonging to the Takata class. Their characteristics are not all alike, but their welding is invariably bad. Then- blades have a black skin, and are very ordinary; the forms vary; some being of the Shobu type. The blade is bent; some are of the straight edge type, with 'small feet' or 'great midare,' or having only numerous 'small feet,' and no nie. All, however, are of vulgar appearance; caps vary; some are well boiled, but lack nobility; angular back; crosswise file; small point; round head.

(2) Yoshisada, in the era of Oan; a disciple of Ryokai of Kyo; called Ryokai of Tsukushi.

Blade wide; Iori shallow; skin as in Ryokai's work; of 'small midare' or straight edge type; cap closely welded; nie rare ; almost all have Sanskrit letters; back thick; crosswise file; signed "Ryokai" or ''Yoshisada."

(3) Enju, many generations beginning with the era of Shoo; lived in Higo.

Blade slender; ridge a little wide; Iori deep or with triangular back ; some are furrowed; point small; regular woody lines; edge of 'small midare,' straight edge, or with 'small feet,' or 'small Gunome,' with both nie and 'nioi'; cap round. The short sword is straight, thick, and of various breadths; straight edge in type; cap round and with 'fukura,' nakago with thick back; crosswise file; round hand, and inscription in a broad cut.

(4-5) Kunisuke, Kunitsuna. The short sword is bent; and some have the 'notare edge.'

(6-7) Kiiniyoshi, Kunimura. Some have the 'small Gunome.'

(8) Kunikado. Some are of ' Hitatsura.'

As this class was invented by Rai Kuniyuki, it resembles his work in many points. Sometimes it has an irregular woody marked skin.

(9) Namihira, many generations beginning with the era of Bunpo; lived in Satsuma.

Some swords are medium in size and furrowed, shape of point varies; slender; straight edge in type; sometimes with Hakikake. The short swords are of different shapes, breadths and thicknesses, with triangular or round backs. There are also swords of the straight edge type with 'Hakikake,' 'small feet,' or 'small midare'; some are boiled; others not; cap round or with 'Hakikake'; carved designs like 'Ken,' 'Hoko,' etc., are frequent; edge with 'midare' like the later Bizen class, or with the straight edge like the work of Mikara or Kongobyoye; no nioi; bad stuff-iron; coarse skin; nakago with angular or round back; 'higaki'; crosswise or oblique file; round head.

(10) Masakuni, in the era of Eien.

Back generally round; ' small midare ' or the ' slender notare ' in type; oblique file; some inscribed as "Happyaku nen," (800 years).

(11) Yukihito. Widely furrowed; the straight edge; or of the 'small midare' type; skillfully made.

(12) Yukiyasu.

Blade slender. The Iori is closely welded in his good work. His blade resembles that of Rai Kunitoshi's, but without nobility.

(13) Seiza, Shigeyoshi, mostly of the midare; crosswise file.

(14) Iruka, in the era of Bunwa; lived in Kii.

The short sword straight, with varying breadths, thicknesses and backs. The long sword is rare, and is of the straight edge type; round cap; rough, regular, woody lines; crosswise or oblique file.

(15) Sanetsugu, a smith whose blades resembled Yasumasa Goro's.

File-mark crosswise in the case of the long sword, and oblique in the short swords.

(16) Kunitsugu, in the era of Oei; lived in Kogawa of Kii.

The forms of his swords vary. Blade is slender; Iori deep; back round; with the irregular or regular woody lines; edge of the clear, straight edge type; hard, slender, and devoid of nie, although sometimes it has ' Gunome midare'; or 'Hitatsura'; cap round; nakago with the round back; crosswise, or oblique file; slender point; round head. Owing to the formation of the letter 'Kurd,' in his signature he is called "Sudo Kunitsugu."

(I7) Umibe, in the era of Koreki; lived in Awa.

Blade generally thick; deep Iori; some specimens have exagerated points; edge with 'wide notare,' especially at the point. The short sword is of the straight type, sometimes with triangular hack; edge straight in type, or with ' notare midare,' or very rarely, the ' Hitatsura'; nakago with thick hack; crosswise oblique file. The later specimens arc far inferior.

(18) Yoshimitsu, in the era of Reio; lived in Tosa.

Blade straight, narrow, and generally thick; Iori shallow or with triangular back. The long sword is rare; straight edge in type; round cap and some nie; nakago with various backs; crosswise file; round head; some greatly resembling the blades of Awadaguchi, but are inferior in nobility; they have, moreover many distinct peculiarities. The welding and designs also differ widely from the work of Awadaguchi.

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