Antique Japanese Yari (spear), signed "Musashi-jū Kanemasa" (武蔵住兼正) — a grand ōmi sasa-ho yari, NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken

An imposing large bamboo-leaf-shaped spear by an early-Edo (Shintō) smith of the Mino/Seki Kanenori line — thick, healthy, and finely forged; in shirasaya with a display shaft

A guaranteed piece designated "Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken" (Especially Worthy of Preservation) by the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai). With the overwhelming presence unique to a large ōmi sasa-ho yari (great bamboo-leaf spear) and the sure forging that inherits the tradition of the Seki Kanenori school, it can be recommended with full confidence — both as a centerpiece for an existing sword collection and as a single work for savoring the beauty of the Japanese spear.

Workmanship and condition

The jigane is an itame with flowing masame, showing a beautiful, clear steel character. The temper line is a midare of leisurely notare mixed with ko-gunome; fine nie gather along the temper border, glowing with a bright, clear brilliance when the light catches them. Freshly polished — though the very finest faint scratches can be seen, the overall condition of steel and temper is very good. The contrast between the grain spreading across the broad flat surface (hira-ji) unique to a large spear and the clear temper border is a major highlight for the Japanese-sword enthusiast.

Form

A grand ōmi sasa-ho yari (large bamboo-leaf-shaped spear) boasting a blade length of 35.8 cm. It has a full, beautiful fukura (curved swell) while drawing in to a dignified taper toward the base — a crisp, upright construction. It retains a thick, solid kasane from base to tip (about 11 mm at the base), uniting the sturdiness of a practical spear with sculptural beauty as a work of art at a high level.

On the smith — Kanemasa (兼正)

Kanemasa, the maker of this work, was a fifth-generation descendant of Kanenori (兼法), a master smith of Mino Province (Seki) in the late Muromachi period. A smith of real ability, he worked in turn in Edo (Musashi), Echizen, and Hikone; this piece shows the crisp, clear workmanship of the early Edo period (around the Enpō era), when he settled in Musashi Province. The long tang bears a clear signature, "Musashi-jū Kanemasa" (武蔵住兼正), conveying to the present day the high level of his technique and the weight of history.

The mounting (shirasaya)

The piece comes with a dedicated shirasaya suited to protecting and preserving the blade, together with a short shaft (tanka) for appreciation and display.

A single work in which the outstanding skill of the master smith Kanemasa, heir to the Mino/Seki tradition, the overwhelming sculptural beauty unique to a large bamboo-leaf spear, and the dignity of the "Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken" designation are splendidly united. The dynamic notare temper line blooming across the broad flat surface, and the clear steel, offer viewing pleasure enough to impress even the seasoned connoisseur. We invite you to enjoy it as a masterpiece that brings a unique flourish and rank to any sword collection.

Specifications

• Type: Yari (槍, spear) — ōmi sasa-ho (large bamboo-leaf shape)
• Smith: Kanemasa (兼正), Musashi Province; early Edo (Shintō), of the Mino/Seki Kanenori line
• Signature (mei): "Musashi-jū Kanemasa" (武蔵住兼正)
• Jigane: Itame with flowing masame, clear and bright
• Hamon: Notare mixed with ko-gunome, fine nie along a bright temper border
• Blade length (nagasa / ho-nagasa): 35.8 cm (approx. 14.09 in / approx. 1 shaku 1 sun 8 bu)
• Curvature (sori): 0 cm
• Width at base (motohaba): 27.0 mm (approx. 1.06 in)
• Thickness at base (motokasane): 11.0 mm (approx. 0.43 in) — exceptionally thick
• Width at tip (sakihaba): 24.0 mm (approx. 0.94 in)
• Thickness at tip (sakikasane): 7.0 mm (approx. 0.28 in)
• Weight (blade only): 430 g
• Condition: Freshly polished; only the very faintest light scratches, otherwise very good and healthy
• Mounting: Shirasaya, with a short display shaft (tanka)
• Certification: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken (No. 1021216; August 25, 2023)
• Registration No.: Niigata No. 070779 (新潟 第070779号)