Etchū Norishige (original) (raw)

Etchū Norishige (1290-1366) (則重) was a Japanese swordsmith of the late Kamakura period. He was a contemporary and possibly a pupil of Masamune. His swords are noted for their distinct matsukawa hada 松皮肌 (pine bark grain). One of his works is classified as Kokuho (National Treasures) by the Ministry of Culture, the highest classification for a sword. Norishige is regarded as one of the greatest Japanese swordsmiths in history. In the 14th century, he had a forge in the fief of Nei, present-day Toyama Prefecture. He made and supplied the finest katana to samurai in the Kamakura period.