1The world of antique Japanese swords, or nihonto, is filled with layers of history, artistry, and subtle details. For collectors and enthusiasts, one of the most fascinating aspects is the smith’s signature, or mei, chiseled into the tang of the blade. Among the most famous and distinctive signatures is the cursive style Nosada.
This unique mark belongs to one of Japan’s most celebrated swordsmiths, Kanesada, who worked during the Muromachi period. The name “Nosada” itself is a nickname derived from the particular way he signed his name. Understanding this signature is key to appreciating the work of a master craftsman and identifying a pivotal moment in the history of sword making.
This article will explore the origins, characteristics, and significance of the cursive style Nosada. We will delve into the identity of the smith, the features of his blades, and why this particular signature became so legendary in the world of samurai swords.
Who Was Kanesada, the Smith Behind the “Nosada” Signature?
The signature belongs to Izumi no Kami Kanesada, a master swordsmith who lived and worked in Mino Province during the 15th and 16th centuries. He is often referred to as the second-generation Kanesada, or “Nosada,” to distinguish him from his father and teacher, who was the first-generation Kanesada.
Izumi no Kami Kanesada is considered one of the greatest smiths of the Sue-Seki school, a lineage of sword makers known for producing exceptionally sharp and practical blades. His work was highly sought after by samurai of the highest ranks, and his swords were renowned for their cutting ability and robust construction.
His skill was so great that he, along with his contemporary Kanemoto, became the representative smiths of the entire Mino tradition. The adoption of his unique cursive style Nosada signature marked a turning point in his career, signaling a new level of confidence and artistic expression.
The Evolution from “Kanesada” to “Nosada”
The name “Nosada” is not an official title but a collector’s term born from the appearance of the signature itself. Early in his career, Kanesada signed his name in a standard, block-like script (kaisho). His signature read “Kane” (兼) and “sada” (定).
However, around the year 1499, he made a distinct change to his signature. He began to write the character for “sada” (定) in a highly stylized, cursive script (sosho). This flowing, grassy script made the character look very similar to the hiragana character “no” (の).
As a result, enthusiasts began referring to his signature as “Kane-no-ji-sada” (Kanesada of the “no” character) or, more simply, “Nosada.” This nickname stuck, and today, the cursive style Nosada is the defining feature used to identify the work of this legendary second-generation master.
How to Identify the Cursive Style Nosada
Recognizing the cursive style Nosada is a key skill for anyone studying Mino swords. The change from the square style to the cursive style is the primary marker. While it requires a trained eye, there are a few key characteristics to look for on the sword’s tang (nakago).
- The “Kane” Character (兼): This character typically remains consistent and is rendered in a clear, strong style.
- The “Sada” Character (定): This is the crucial element. In the cursive style, it loses its blocky form and becomes a fluid, almost circular shape that strongly resembles the Japanese hiragana character の.
- Chisel Marks: The strokes of the signature are confident and deeply cut, reflecting the smith’s mastery over his tools.
The transition from the square “sada” to the cursive “sada” is what defines his most celebrated working period. Blades signed with the cursive style Nosada are generally considered his masterworks and are the most highly prized by collectors.
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Characteristics of a Nosada Sword
Beyond the signature, the blades made by Izumi no Kami Kanesada have distinct features that reflect the practical demands of the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States Period). His swords were not just art objects; they were high-performance weapons.
The table below outlines some common features of a sword made by Kanesada during his “Nosada” period.
| Feature | Description |
| Shape (Sugata) | Often wide and robust, with a shallow curve (saki-zori) that is typical of the Muromachi period. Many are katana or long wakizashi. |
| Hamon (Temper Line) | Frequently a straight temper line (suguha) or a gentle, undulating wave (notare). It often features gunome (rounded patterns) mixed in. |
| Jihada (Steel Grain) | A tight, well-worked wood grain pattern (itame hada) is common, sometimes mixed with straight grain (masame hada). |
| Boshi (Tip Temper) | The temper line in the tip often turns back in a characteristic rounded shape known as jizo-boshi, resembling a monk’s head. |
| Cutting Ability | Nosada swords are famous for their supreme sharpness (saijo o-wazamono), placing them in the highest category for cutting performance. |
These features, combined with the famous cursive style Nosada signature, create a complete picture of a masterful weapon crafted for the battlefield. The focus on practicality and sharpness is a hallmark of the Mino tradition that Kanesada perfected.
The Historical Context: Swords of the Warring States
To fully appreciate the work of Nosada, one must understand the era in which he lived. The late 15th and early 16th centuries were part of the Sengoku Jidai, a time of intense civil war in Japan. The demand for strong, reliable, and sharp swords was at an all-time high.
Swordsmiths in Mino Province, and particularly the Seki school, responded to this demand by mass-producing high-quality blades. Kanesada, however, rose above the level of simple mass production. While his work retains the practical nature of Mino swords, it also exhibits a level of artistry and refinement that set him apart.
The shift to the cursive style Nosada can be seen as a declaration of his status. He was no longer just another smith; he was a master with a unique artistic identity. His blades were favored by famous samurai, including Hosokawa Yusai, and his reputation for creating swords of the highest cutting ability became legendary.
The Legacy of the Cursive Style Nosada
The legacy of Izumi no Kami Kanesada and his unique signature is immense. He is consistently ranked among the top swordsmiths in Japanese history. His work set a standard for the Sue-Seki school and influenced generations of smiths who followed.
For collectors, a sword bearing an authentic cursive style Nosada signature is a treasure. It represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship from the late Muromachi period—a perfect fusion of martial function and artistic beauty. The signature is more than just a name; it is a brand of unparalleled quality.
Studying the cursive style Nosada is an excellent entry point into the deeper world of kantei, the art of sword appraisal. It teaches the observer to look closely at the details, to understand the history behind the blade, and to appreciate the subtle marks left by a master’s hand. It remains a testament to a smith whose skill and artistry have endured for over 500 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are all swords signed “Kanesada” from the famous Nosada?
No, there were many generations and schools of smiths who used the name Kanesada. The cursive style Nosada signature is specific to the highly-rated second-generation master from Mino.
2. Why is the cutting ability of Nosada swords so highly rated?
His mastery of forging and heat-treating techniques resulted in blades with a perfect balance of hardness and flexibility, making them incredibly sharp and durable in combat.
3. Are there many forgeries of the Nosada signature?
Yes, due to his fame, forgeries (gimei) of the cursive style Nosada are very common. Authentication by a qualified expert is essential for any potential purchase.
4. What does “Izumi no Kami” mean?
“Izumi no Kami” is an honorary court title granted to exceptional swordsmiths, signifying a high level of official recognition and status.
5. Did Nosada make other weapons besides swords?
Yes, while most famous for his katana and wakizashi, he also crafted daggers (tanto) and other polearms, which are highly valued by collectors.