Sagami-no-kami Masatsune (1535~1619) is the 1st generation of Masatsune line. He moved to Owari province from Mino, so his blade is Mino tradition. His smith name in Mino was Kanetsune, then he was given the name Masatsune by the load of Owari “FUKUSHIMA Masanori”. Once the smith retired and gave the name to his son (1607). Then the 2nd Masatsune died soon. So the 1st came back again, and he added the inscription “Nyudo” after the signature that means go into Buddhism. Masatsune has a katana and a wakizashi listed as Juyo Bijutsuhin (Jubi) and many of his swords have received juyo clasiffication.
 

This is one of the finest naginata that we have sold up to now.  The workmanship is superb and the shape of this particular blade is very unique.  One side is in shinogi zukuri but the other is in katakiri ba style.  Please view the pictures carefully.  The hada is tightly forged and ji nie is visible in many areas.  The hamon is subdued and is a very elegant suguba style with hataraki thru out the hamon.  This blade has a deeply carved horimono that stands out and adds to the uniqueness of this work.  The blade comes with NBTHK papers attesting to its quality.

KANTEISHO
No. 379643
1, NAGINATA
Mei: SAGAMI NO KAMI FUJIWARA MASATSUNE
Length: 1 shaku 6 sun 4 bu

As a result of a shinsa at this organization, the above item has been designated a Hozon Token, and is confirmed as authentic.

March 19, 2010
NBTHK