近江守 “Ōmi no Kami,” a courtly designation widely used by accomplished swordsmiths from the early to mid Edo period. Smiths signing with this title were active across several regions, including Mino, Yamashiro, and surrounding provinces, and are generally associated with robust, practical blades intended for real use rather than display.
Although the title “Ōmi no Kami” is clearly legible, the individual smith’s personal name is no longer fully readable, and therefore a precise attribution to a specific maker cannot be made with certainty. The blade is best understood as a product of the broader Ōmi no Kami tradition, representing the practical and utilitarian aesthetic valued in Edo-period swordmaking.
This blade measures 62.8 cm and features a notare-based suguha with noticeable undulation, giving a calm yet dynamic appearance. The overall shape is well balanced and suited for service use.
The sword is mounted in a Type 98 Japanese Army guntō koshirae with a leather-covered saya, a configuration commonly associated with field or active service. Notably, the tsuba is a non-regulation piece signed “Bushū Masakuni,” adding an individual and collectible element to the mounting.