Taikei Naotane was born in Dewa Provence and received the title of Chikuzen Daijo in Bunsen 4. Later he moved to Edo and became a pupil of Suishinshi Masahide. There he learned various traditions like Bizen and Soshu. He gained a reputation for techniques called “coming out of indigo”. Unlike his master promoting restored swords. Naotane created unique pieces with spiral Jigane. Significantly differing from his teacher’s style.

Taikei Naotane was one of the most well-knowns wordsmiths in the late Edo period, excelling in traditions like Bizen, Soshu, Mino and Yamato.This sword with its long size and deep curve, resembles an old Bizen and might be confused with Kuniyoshi. Previously a similar piece by Naotane depicting an old sword in the style of Soshu tradition was recognized as an important art piece, which was magnificent. This work also looks like an old sword and is highly recommended. The quality of iron improved gradually over the period of Bunka, Bunsei, and Tenpo, culminating in the late Edo period as wars became more frequent, prompting clans to demand better-quality swords. This piece introduces a fine old-style Hamon.  well-kneaded Jitetsu, and an active straight Hamon with gold streaks: the variations in the bosh are also impressive.  Please note this sword was special made for Kitamura Sadatane and has received TOKUBETSU Papers from the NBTHK.

Koshirai are Handachi style. Red copper tsuba, red copper ground Fuchi/kashira. The Menuki are of shiitake mushrooms, carved in high relief and colored in gold. Saya is a rare design that appears to be crushed malachite.  Ko-tsuka with Demon glaring at his opponent.  No Ko-gatana with this koshirai

In the Fijishiro Tikon Naotane has been listed at the highest quality rank of SAIJÔSAKU;
Rank from highest to lowest; (SAIJOSAKU, JOJO SAKU, JOSAKU, CHUJOSAKU,CHUSAKU)

NAOTANE TAIKEI [TENPÔ 1830 MUSASHI] SHINSHINTÔ SAIJÔSAKU

He was born in Uzen Yamagata, is called Sôji Minobei, and has the Gô of Taikei.  He entered the Mon of Suishinshi Masahide, and later he served Lord Akimoto, the same as his teacher.  Around Bunsei Shi Gonen (1821 or 1822), he received the title of Chikuzen no Daijô, and this was changed to Mino no Suke in Kaei Gannen.  He died on Ansei Yonen (1857) Gogatsu Nanoka (5/7), and he lived 79 years.  His works extend across fifty years from Kyôwa until the year of his death in Ansei.  His works around his younger years have a toran ha, and during his prime of life, there are saka gonome saka choji or choji, and ô-midare in an impressive form like that of the Sôshû Den.  There some which have a distinctive feature of Naotane, which is uzumaki hada appearing in the ura of an itame ji, and there are many elaborate ones in which horimono of Honjô Yoshitane are carved in a frame in the blade.  “In regard to horimono of Naotane”, there were already carvings he did himself in Kyôwa Sannen (1803).  It seems that the hard workers of the shinshintô period understood the hobby of carving, and those that were done by the strength of the chisel were ones that were made by the swordsmiths.  When we reach Ansei and Tenpô, we see skill and refinement in the works of Honjô Yoshitane, and this is because they became engravers.  Also, later there were blades which were engraved by Gassan Sadakazu

“In regard to horimono of Naotane”, there were already carvings he did himself in Kyôwa Sannen (1803).  It seems that the hard workers of the shinshintô period understood the hobby of carving, and those that were done by the strength of the chisel were ones that were made by the swordsmiths.  When we reach Ansei and Tenpô, we see skill and refinement in the works of Honjô Yoshitane, and this is because they became engravers.  Also, later there were blades which were engraved by Gassan Sadakazu.