SHIKKAKE – YAMATO

Era : Late Kamakura to early Nanbokucyo period.

Shikkake School of Yamato province prospered present Tenri City in Nara prefecture.

The name Shikkake is from Shikkake-ishi, the flat stone to place the divine palanquin in Shinto.

The Jitetsu of this sword is extremely fine that has something in common with Taima School. It satietes the collector’s interest.

Five principal swordsmith schools prospered in Yamato province: Tegai, Shikkake, Taema, Senjuin and Hosho. Norinaga is thought as the substantial founder of Shikakke school. Dated Tanto in 1319, the third year of Bunpo era in late Kamakura period still survive at the age of 69.

Counting backward, Norinaga was born in 1270, the seventh year of Bunei era in Kamakura period. Later generations Norinaga forged sword to the Muromachi period.

Smart Shinogi-suji, wide Shinogi-haba, streamlike pattern of Itame-hada and Suguha-hamon are characteristics common to all Yamato province. The workmanship of Shikkake School shows traditional Yamato style. Ranged and conspicious Ko-gunome is an individuality of Shikkake.