Eikyo Era

The Eikyo era (1429–1441) was a significant period in mid-Muromachi sword production. Seki City in Mino Province emerged as the most active sword-forging center during this time, solidifying the Mino-den (Mino tradition) characteristics. First-generation Kanefusa, the son of Kaneshige of the Yoshisada school, gained renown for inventing a distinctive temper line pattern called Kenbo Midare. Concurrently, the Bizen school produced smiths classified as Eikyo-Bizen, whose work showed qualities distinct from both the earlier Oei-Bizen and later Sue-Bizen schools. Swords from this era were characterized by the Mino tradition's sharp, pointed elements along the temper line (togari-ba), complex hamon patterns, and subtle utsuri reflections.