Ikeda Kazuhide Nyudo Ryuken Katana

In the annals of Japanese sword-making history, the name Ikeda Kazuhide Nyudo Ryuken stands out, echoing the masterful skills of the late Edo period. This blade is an epitome of the teachings from the Suishinshi Masahide school, showcasing the delicate balance between raw power and artistry. Every nuance of this katana, from its meticulous temper pattern to the intrinsic grain structure, reflects the hand of a master who was deeply in touch with the traditions of his craft. Dated to the year 1828, this blade beautifully captures the essence of that era and shines brilliantly, revealing its storied past with every glint.

Specifications:

• Omote (Front): 水心子正秀門 池田一秀入道竜軒 - Suishinshi Masahide school, Ikeda Kazuhide Nyudo Ryuken
• Ura (Back): 文政十一年 - 11th year of Bunsei era, 1828
• Province: Dewa (currently part of Yamagata and Akita prefectures)
• Period: Late Edo Period, precisely 1828

Measurements:

• Blade Length: 67.4 cm (approximately 26.53 inches)
• Curvature (Sori): 0.5 cm (approximately 0.20 inches)
• Moto-haba (Base width): 2.75 cm (approximately 1.08 inches)
• Moto-kasane (Base thickness): 0.6 cm (approximately 0.24 inches)
• Saki-haba (Tip width): 1.9 cm (approximately 0.75 inches)
• Saki-kasane (Tip thickness): 0.45 cm (approximately 0.18 inches)
• Blade Weight: 555.3 g (approximately 19.57 oz)

Historical Significance: The late Edo period was a transformative era in the world of Japanese swordsmithing. Among the great names that emerged during this period, Ikeda Kazuhide Nyudo Ryuken holds a unique place. Born in 1773 as Ikeda Seinai and later known by his monk pseudonym Nyudo Ryuken, he was a first-generation swordsmith from the Ikeda Kazuhide lineage. Trained under the tutelage of the renowned Suishinshi Masahide, Ryuken carried forward the legacy of his master, crafting swords that embodied the pinnacle of skill and artistry. In 1805, he became an official swordsmith of the Shonai Clan. This particular blade, a treasure from 1828, serves as a testament to his unparalleled craftsmanship and the deep-rooted traditions of the Suishinshi Masahide school.

He passed away Tenpo 12, (1841), died at 69 years old.

In the vast expanse of Japanese sword history, where ancient traditions meld seamlessly with unmatched craftsmanship, Ikeda Kazuhide Nyudo Ryuken's work stands as a beacon, illuminating the profound depths of artistry and skill from the late Edo period.