Ancient Samurai Yari Spear, Zaimei (signed) 山城守 “yamashiro No Kami”

Ancient Samurai Yari Spear, Zaimei (signed) 山城守 “Yamashiro no Kami”. Sold without support and additional shipping costs.

Very beautiful Yari Shinto spear from the 18th century, in Koshirae, Zaimei and in excellent condition.

The signature engraved on the Nakago, 山城守 “Yamashiro no Kami”, or “Governor of Yamashiro Province”, is incomplete.

The last 2 Kanji corresponding to the name of the blacksmith are missing. This signature, which is incomplete, very likely corresponds to that of the blacksmith 国重 “Kunishige”.

Kunishige, who by the Imperial Court had received the title of Governor of Yamashiro Province, therefore signed his blades 山城守国重 “Yamashiro no Kami Kunishige”. He worked during the Meiwa era (1764-71), the end of the Edo period. Kunishige, who was very famous for forging Yari blades, was one of the great masters in the art of forging Yari blades, in the prosperous city of Edo in Musashi Province (now Tokyo) and enjoyed great popularity among high-ranking Samurai. Its blades are classified “Jyo saku”.

BLACKSMITH:

Name of the blacksmith: Most likely “Kunishige”
Period: Found in the Edo Period - Meiwa Era (1764-71).

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BLADE:

Yari type: 素 槍 (Suyari) The blade is sharp, with Japanese polishing The section of the blade is triangular
There is a red lacquered throat (Bo-hi) on the widest side of the blade

The Hamon (tempering line) is of the Suguha type (right) in Niedeki and a Jigane in Ko-itame Hada
1 Mekugi-ana (Hole in the Nakago)
Length of the Nakago (tang of the blade): 27.2 cm
Length of the blade: 26 cm
Total length of the blade: 50 cm

KOSHIRAE:

Shirasaya Length of the shaft: 37 cm
Length of the Saya: 33 cm
Very beautiful copper rim, displaying a very fine carving in a leaf motif, including 3 Mon of the Tokugawa clan “Aoi-no-Go-mon” (emblems representing 3 hollyhock leaves in a circle)