Chikuzen ju minamoto Yoshikane Katana

This is an exellent signed blade by Nobukuni Yoshikane. He is a realy good Jo-saku smith from the shinto period.
His ancestors lived in Buzen Usa, he is the son of Nobukuni Yoshitsugu and the father of Nobukuni Shigekane.
He is called Sukezaemon, and he died on Genroku Rokunen ( 1693 ) Hashigatsu Nijunichi ( 8/29 ).

In 1720 (Kyōhō gonen) Nobukuni Yoshikane's son (Shigekane) was selected (In a competition / survey) along with Yasuyo and Masakiyo of Satsuma by Shogun Yoshimune*. He was ordered to go to Edo where he made a sword for the personal use of Shogun Yoshimune. This is an exceptionally high distinction of honor as the Shogun could have chosen anyone in the country. As a result of his superb workmanship he was granted permission to use the AOI ichiyo (MON) on the nakago of his swords. Very few swords of his are seen with this MON.