Kunikane 12Th Gen - Interesting Tidbit

[Vermithrax16]

I think this board knows my interest in masame hada swords. Some call it an obsession, which is probably true, but why use words with a sinister meaning

 

During research over the last few months, I caught this little blurb regarding Kunikane 12th gen:

 

KUNIKANE (国包), 12th gen., Kōka (弘化, 1844-1848), Ōshū – “Sendai-jū Kunikane saku” (仙台住国包作), “Ōshū Fujiwara Kunikane” (奥州藤原国包), “Ōshū Sendai-jū Fujiwara Kunikane” (奥州仙台住藤原国包), “Ōshū Sendai tōkō-tōryō Fujiwara Kunikane” (奥州仙台 刀工棟梁藤原国包), “Kunikane” (国包), real name Hongō Genbei (本郷源兵衛), he went later to Edo and studied there under Taikei Naotane (大慶直胤), the 12th gen. signed with the supplement Sendai tōkō-tōryō (仙台刀工棟梁, “master of all Sendai smiths”), he died on the 22nd day of the second month Kōka five (1848) at the age of 49, chūjō-saku

 

Would LOVE to see an example of this smith if anyone has one, or any pictures, further info. Thanks in advance.

[Surfson]

I have the image of one etched into my mind.  If I recall correctly, it was shown to me by Paul Davidson many years ago.  I would love to have one myself, having spent my first visit to Japan in Sendai.  

[BIG]

Hi Jeremiah, not much to find...

 

https://www.aoijapan.net/katana-oshu-sendai-jyu-fujiwara-kunikane-shinshinto/

 

Best

[Vermithrax16]

Thanks Robert and Peter. Appreciate it. Yes, been hard to find examples for sure.

[Peter Bleed]

Jeremiah,

Sorry, I've have had my ears off for a while. I also have not had much contact with KK 12th. As i scan the meikan I am not seeing a lot of clear info on time with Naotane. The meikan says he was  a student of Kanemitsu as in KAN141. I don't see dates for a trip to Edo, but recall that the 10th KK went to the eastern capital to study with Masahide. There may well have been a link that would let KK 12th spend time with Naotane. Do we have dates for this trip to Edo?

Peter

[Vermithrax16]

Peter, yikes, with what I have I can't say with 100% confidence. 1844 or so would be my guess.