YAMASHIRO RAI KUNI NAGA GENTOKU
1329 - 1331

The workmanship of the Yamashiro tradition has extremely fine and beautiful Jigane with lots of activity, abundant Ji-Nie and Chikei. The Ji-Hada normally is Ko-Mokume mixed with large wavy patterns. The Hamon is Ko-Choji Midare with much Ko-Nie on a basic Sugu-Cho with bright Nioi Guchi often mixed with Ko-Gunome. Rai Kuni Naga is slightly different in that is exibits Ko-Itame Jigane mixed with a little O-Hada. It displays ample Ji-Nie and Chikei. The Harmon is Ko-Nie Deki Sugu-Cho, bright Nioi Guchi and Kinsuji. There is Bo-Hi on both sides extending through the Nakago. The sword has been ranked by the NBTHK Shinsa committee Juyo Token Rank. I have included here both the english translations of the NBTHK document and the Nadu Zufu report. Photographing this sword was extremely difficult. In actual appearance, the Ji-Gani is very clear.