The inscription on the sword box reads “Hishizukuri Uchigatana” and its external mountings are well-known as the oldest extant of an Uchigatana sword, which are worn edge-up. The inscription on the box, which is likely original, along with historical records also reveal the circumstances of its dedication to Kasugataisha Shrine, and such information is rare. It dates from the Heian period (794-1185) and was offered to the shrine in 1384 by Hamuro Nagamune, a Kyoto-based member of the powerful Fujiwara clan. Records also reveal that the sword had been passed down through the Hamuro family. The mounting was made in the Nanbokuchō period (1336-1392), and the Hamuro family crest adorns it: an auspicious diamond-shape called a hishi-mon (which gives the sword its name), comprised of four flower-like shapes. This was made with maki-e (lacquer sprinkled with metallic powder) and metal inlay.