There are three or four swordsmiths by this name recorded during the Ko-Bizen period of swordmaking but this example is by far the earliest. There is a general restraint and orderliness that is rare in the works of other Ko-Bizen smiths such as Masatsune and Tomonari, even though the strong o-mokume/itame hada in this example does resemble the forging patterns of Tomonari.

The elegant effect of the tempering pattern with a moderate slant is emphasized by the general feeling of lightness created by the two bo-hi extending deeply into the tang. Overall, the configuration of the blade is an excellent example of the Heian period form.