SIGNED GOTO MITSUMORI (KAO), EDO PERIOD (18TH CENTURY)

Accompanied by a Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu [Sword Fittings Particularly Worthy of Preserving], no. 224081, issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai [Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords] on 14th April 1999

Kangyo, or dried fish, are auspicious symbols to the Samurai, being traditionally part of iron rations on military campaigns. The maker Goto Keijo (Mitsumori) who died in 1804, was the fourteenth master of the main Goto family.