兼法
Kenpo, Kanenori
保存刀剣鑑定
NBTHK Hozon Paper
天正(1573)頃
Hacho 37.5cm
-
The name Kenpo (Kanenori) refers to multiple swordsmiths who emerged from the Seki tradition in Mino Province during the late Muromachi to early Edo periods. Among them, one notable figure is the Echizen Kanenori, who relocated from Seki to Echizen Province in the early Edo period. This move contributed to the establishment of the Echizen Shintō tradition, marking a significant development in Japanese swordsmithing history. 
Although works bearing the name Kanenori are relatively rare, some extant pieces are dated, such as those inscribed with “Keichō 5” (1600) and “Keichō 12” (1607). These dates place the smith’s activity in the early Edo period, shortly after the pivotal Battle of Sekigahara.
The style of these swords closely resembles that of late Muromachi-period Mino craftsmanship, characterized by features like itame-hada (wood-grain pattern) and suguha or notare hamon (straight or wavy temper lines).
