Description

A large Japanese spearhead called yari. It is of typical form, but larger and more elongated, with nearly parallel sides, a strong point, and a triangular cross-section. At the base just above the tang, it becomes five facets.

The blade is very tightly forged, its steel surface showing a straight wood grain pattern (masame hada). The temperline (hamon) is a very subtle suguha (straight temperline) in nioi-deki (cloudy martensite), emphasized by a kesho polish.

The most striking feature is the large fuller on the flat side, of a type called kusabi-hi (楔樋) which literally means "wedge-groove".¹ Irregularly cut and highlighted with red lacquer, its aggressive appearance provides a stark contrast with the otherwise cold precision of the piece.

It comes in a well-made plain wooden resting scabbard (shirasaya).

Nakago (tang)

Of rectangular cross-section, it starts very thick and gradually tapers down. It has one hole for a peg (mekugi ana) for securing it to the shaft.

It is signed:

伊勢大掾下坂光廣

Ise daijō Shimosaka Mitsuhiro

Mitsuhiro was active in Echizen around the Genroku period (1688-1704). He was part of the Shimosaka school, founded by first-generation Yasutsugu. Ise daijō is an official title granted by the imperial court.

"Itame mixed with masame, blackish jigane, suguha with compact nioiguchi, he signed with a rather
thick chisel in a barely legible manner composed of short and thick chisel strokes." ²

Among his works are mainly yari, such as this one.

Notes
1. The Kashima Sisters; Grooves on swords and their meaning. Ksky.ne.jp
2. Markus Sesko; Swordsmiths of Japan. Lulu, Inc. 2015. Page 621.