This is a signed Japanese katana bearing the mei “Seki-jū Kanemune” (関住兼宗), with a blade length of 60 cm and a shallow curvature of 0.3 cm, exhibiting a straight and practical sugata typical of the Shintō period.
The blade features a well-defined gunome-midare hamon, with tightly spaced undulations and visible nie along the temper line, creating a lively and textured appearance. The pattern shows elements of notare-gunome, characteristic of the Mino tradition. The jihada is an itame pattern, with a slightly flowing structure typical of functional blades forged for durability.
Kanemune was a swordsmith working in Seki, Mino Province, part of the long-standing Mino tradition known for producing practical and effective cutting swords. Smiths of this lineage trace their roots to the Sue-Seki school, which was highly active during the late Muromachi period and continued into the Edo period.
Based on the blade’s shallow curvature, overall shape, and forging characteristics, this sword can be attributed to the early to mid Edo period (17th century), representing a continuation of the Mino-style workmanship into the Shintō era.
The blade is fitted with a silver habaki, adding both aesthetic refinement and quality to the mounting.
The sword is mounted in Type 98 guntō koshirae with a leather-covered scabbard, typical of field-service mounts. The remounting of traditionally forged blades into military fittings was common during the wartime period, reflecting continued functional use.