Rare Ichimonji-Yari by Shimōsa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa – Echizen Shintō – NBTHK Hozon
1673–1681
A Rare 17th-Century Ichimonji-Yari by the Echizen Master Kanemasa
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This exceptional Ichimonji-yari (一文字槍) is a rare example of Japanese polearm craftsmanship from the early Edo period, forged by the respected Echizen swordsmith Shimōsa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa (下総大掾藤原兼正).
The blade bears the signature:
下総大掾藤原兼正 越前住
Shimōsa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa Echizen-jū
“Shimōsa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa, resident of Echizen.”
Kanemasa was an accomplished Shintō-period swordsmith, active principally during the Enpō era (1673–1681). Historical examples show that although he is associated primarily with Echizen Province, he also worked in Hikone in Ōmi Province. The Hikone Castle Museum preserves a signed Kanemasa blade and specifically records his activity in both Echizen and Hikone.
A Rare Ichimonji-Yari
What makes this piece particularly attractive is its distinctive Ichimonji-yari configuration.
Unlike the more commonly encountered slender su-yari, the Ichimonji-yari has a broad transverse form reminiscent of the Japanese character (ichi “one”). Its construction provided substantial cutting surfaces in addition to the thrusting capability traditionally associated with the yari.
The combination of this unusual form with a fully signed blade by a recognized Echizen smith makes this an especially interesting piece for a serious collection of Japanese arms.
Shimōsa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa
Kanemasa belonged to the important tradition of Echizen Shintō sword production. Reference material identifies the first-generation Shimōsa Daijō Kanemasa with the Enpō era and Echizen Province. His known signatures include precisely the form found on this yari:
Shimōsa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa Echizen-jū.
Surviving works demonstrate that Kanemasa was capable of producing substantial and highly accomplished blades. A wakizashi bearing the same smith's signature and dated to approximately 1680 was offered by Christie’s with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certification.
NBTHK Hozon Tōken
Importantly, this yari has been examined and authenticated by the NBTHK – Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai.
The accompanying Hozon Tōken Kanteisho was issued on:
4 June 1999 – Heisei 11
Certificate No. 353167
The certificate records:
文字槍 Ichimonji-yari
銘 下総大掾藤原兼正 越前住 signed Shimōsa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa, Echizen-jū
長 六寸七分半 – Nagasa approximately 20.45 cm
The NBTHK certification is particularly important because it confirms the blade and its signature as worthy of preservation within the Japanese sword tradition.
Collector's Perspective
This is not simply another Edo-period yari.
The combination of the uncommon Ichimonji form, a fully preserved signature, attribution to the recognized Echizen master Shimōsa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa, early Edo-period manufacture and NBTHK Hozon certification gives the piece considerable appeal.
For the collector seeking something beyond the conventional katana, wakizashi or tantō, this yari represents a fascinating example of the diversity and technical sophistication found within the Japanese sword-making tradition.
Period: Early Edo period / Shintō
Approximate date: Enpō era, c. 1673–1681
Province: Echizen
Smith: Shimōsa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa
Type: Ichimonji-yari
Nagasa: approx. 20.45 cm
Signature: Shimōsa Daijō Fujiwara Kanemasa – Echizen-jū
Certification: NBTHK Hozon Tōken
Certificate: No. 353167
Date of certificate: 4 June 1999
Kyodai Originals closing line
A rare and highly collectible Ichimonji-yari combining an unusual battlefield form with the work of a recognized 17th-century Echizen swordsmith and the assurance of NBTHK Hozon certification.
