説明
Antique Japanese Sword Tsurugi Signed by Munetsugu with NBTHK
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
Summary
This blade was signed by Munetsugu (宗次) during the SHIN SHIN TO era(1764-1876), according to NBTHK, which appraised it as a Hozon Touken. SHIN SHIN TO era refers to the Japanese blades forged from the early 1760s to the beginning of the Meiji period. There are more than a few swordsmiths who used Munetsugu as their maker’s names during that time and NBTHK could not specify which Munetsugu forged this Tsurugi.
What is Tsurugi?
Tsurugi is double edged blade. It is often associated with Buddhism. We believe the person who ordered this blade originally must have been a Buddhism believer. Tsurugi (Double-edged blade) is the sword that Fudo Myo-O (不動明王, acalanātha) holds with his right hand. Fudo Myo-O is one of the objects of worship in Buddhism. According to a theory, it is the incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai (大日如来, Mahāvairocana, the principal image of esoteric Buddhism). Kurikara-ken was named after its appearance that Kurikara Ryu-O (倶利伽羅龍王, dragon) is winding around the sword. It is believed Kurikara-Ken could cut off worldly desires: Sandoku (三毒). Sandoku is the three fundamental human desires; Ton (貪, greed), Jin (瞋, anger, grudge), Chi (癡, delusion, complaint). Because of the symbolism of the Tsurugi, it is possible that this blade might have been created as a Omamori Gatana (Protection sword) .
This blade is appraised as a Hozon Token(保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK(Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:日本美術刀剣保存協会). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, well preserved with artistic value.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
19.1
cm( 7.52
inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
0
cm (0 inches)
Hamon
:
The crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process
Jimon(Jihada)
:
visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process
Kissaki
:
Kissaki is the tip of the Japanese sword.
Nakago
:
Nakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.
Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang because it prevents red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, and it is a great indicator for a Japanese sword specialist to estimate when the sword was forged.
Koshirae:
Koshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya(Scabbard), Tsuka(Handle), Kozuka.
Fuchi-Kashira
:
A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
This Menuki seems this Menuki is made from copper. It has an antique feel that has stood the test of time. The surface has worn away due to aging and friction from repeatedly holding the handle, making some of the details of the motif challenging to discern. However, it appears to be a design that combines multiple plants. It is just a possibility; we assume one of the plants is a Zakuro (pomegranate, 石榴/柘榴). According to a theory, this fruit was introduced to Asia from the Anseki (安石国) in northern Persia via the Silk Road approximately 2,000 years ago. It is thought it was introduced to Japan from the continent during the Heian period. At that time, it was mainly used as an ornamental flower and for medicinal purposes. The variety grown in Japan has very sour fruit and has been popular as a garden tree rather than sold at fruit shops.
Pomegranates are considered auspicious fruits that represent the prosperity of descendants, and in Buddhism, they are called the Kissyouka (吉祥果, promising fruit). The fact that Kishimojin/Kishibojin (鬼子母神) holds a pomegranate in her hand should be thought of as reflecting the Buddhist philosophy of praying for the prosperity of descendants rather than because it tastes like human flesh. Kishibojin was a Buddhist goddess and is said to have had 1,000 children. She had a