Period:

From mid-Muromachi until the early eighteenth century.

Location:

Owari and adjacent Mino Province

Basic Shape:

Round, oval and sometimes mokko..

Seppa-dai:

Koban shape, a little narrower than that of the Kanayama. In the early period the shape and the size conform to the design. They may seem a little small for the size of the tsuba but this does not detract from them. Usually lower than the rim, but not always: rim 5-6mm, seppa-dai 4-5mm. Elongated and in mid-Muromachi pointed at the top, full oval in late Muromachi and massive in the Edo-Genroku period.

Hitsu-ana:

Their shape is standard showing no distinguishing characteristics.

Thickness:

Usually the rim is higher than the Seppa-dai, the reverse is occasionally true. Seppa-dai at 5.0mm and the edge at 5.5mm.
Rim: 5-6mm / Seppa-dai: 4-5mm

Rims:

Usually squared-round edge, often with linear Tekkotsu. Rim 5-6mm.

Design Characteristics:

Often symetrical side to side, top to bottom. Designs are symbolic and include chrysanthemum, kiri plant, wild geese, snowflakes, ivy, etc. The designs of these subjects show imagination and good composition. The width of the walls forming the designs are usually quite wide..

Metal Surface:

The forging is good with a fine hammered surface in early work, later pieces were finished (smooth) iron.

Interior Surface:

Chiseled or rough filed.

Comments:

The most honored of the sukashi schools.