Ko-Bizen Munetsune

宗恒

4 ranked works

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TokujūVol. 19, No. 18 · Tachi

Overview

Munetsune is a smith of the tradition, active in Province from the close of the period into the early period. "" is a general designation for the swordsmiths — and their works — spanning from the late through the early period, and Munetsune is counted among them. According to sword signature references (), he is recorded as a son of Munehiro and is placed around the Joo era (1222-1224), with his lineage considered to belong to the line of Masatsune. Surviving signed works are exceptionally rare, making each authenticated example precious as documentary material.

Munetsune's exhibit a slender build with high , pronounced , and a or — a graceful silhouette that clearly expresses the characteristic features of the period. The is well-forged mixed with , with fine adhering closely, entering, and — whether , , or patchy — standing out vividly. The is typically -based or , mixed with and , with abundant and ; adheres well, and fine and appear within the hardened edge. The is characteristically straight, turning back in or tending toward .

Munetsune's blades are possessed of an archaic fragrance and deep taste, revealing a refined, dignified artistic realm that embodies the essential character of . The remarkable preservation of several examples in form — retaining their original with tips and file marks — adds significant documentary value. His finest works are commended for being in both and , with bright steel and richly varied that convey style at its most distinguished.

Historical importance

Where Munetsune stands among comparable artisans: across all of nihontō, and within tradition, era, and period. The tiers (Foremost · Leading · Major · Notable) weigh official designations from the NBTHK and Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, together with historical honors of lasting repute such as the Sansaku and Meibutsu-chō.

随一
Foremost
屈指
Leading
有数
Major
著名
Notable

Select a lens to see how it's measured.

Designations

Kokuhō—
Jūyō Bunkazai—
Jūyō Bijutsuhin—
Gyobutsu—
Tokubetsu Jūyō2
Jūyō Tōken2

Elite Standing

Provenance

Other artisans of the Ko-Bizen school

  1. 1.Tomonari友成33designated
  2. 2.Masatsune正恒65designated
  3. 3.Kanehira包平31designated
  4. 4.Kageyasu景安25designated
  5. 5.Yoshikane吉包45designated
  6. 6.Nobufusa信房12designated
  7. 7.Yukihide行秀17designated
  8. 8.Naritaka成高9designated
  9. 9.Sukekane助包27designated
  10. 10.Motochika基近4designated
  11. 11.Junkei順慶7designated
  12. 12.Sanetoshi眞利6designated

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