A daimyo’s possessions fell generally into two categories: articles for official use and for private use. The accoutrements he used on official occasions included arms appropriate to his rank and family status, and the sword was of preeminent importance.

Osafune, in the province of Bizen (now southeast Okayama prefecture), was the greatest Japanese center of sword manufacture; the town produced many fine smiths, one of whom was Moriie. His style of manufacture emphasizes showiness, boasting bold, irregular “clove-shaped” temper lines alternating with “tadpole” temper lines. This sword, an outstanding example of Moriie’s work, shows both of these signature characteristics.