説明

Signature (Mei): Hitachi no Kami Muneshige Swordsmith: Muneshige, disciple of the first Sukehira and brother-disciple of the second Sukehira School / Tradition: Osaka Shintō tradition; influenced by the great master Sukehira Period / Province: Early Edo period / Settsu (Osaka) Certificate: NBTHK Hozon Mounting: Shirasaya with plain wooden saya and tsuka; silver foil habaki Blade Length (Nagasa): 71.8 cm Curvature (Sori): 0.9 cm Mekugi-ana: 1 Motohaba / Motokasane: 31.4 mm / 6.8 mm Sakihaba / Sakikasane: 21.0 mm / 4.9 mm Shape: Shinogi-zukuri Hamon: Dynamic ō-notare-midare, with strong activity Jihada: Well-forged itame with ji-nie, typical of early Osaka shintō A masterpiece katana by Hitachi no Kami Muneshige, a direct disciple of the first Sukehira and brother-disciple of the famed second Sukehira . This sword exemplifies the early Osaka shintō tradition , showing the vigor and artistry of the school’s formative years. The blade measures 71.8 cm with a gentle 0.9 cm sori , broad at the base (motohaba 31.4 mm) and tapering elegantly toward the kissaki. Its robust construction, with motokasane of 6.8 mm, conveys strength and presence. The hamon is a splendid ō-notare-midare , a billowing wave pattern filled with active hataraki (activities) such as ashi and yo, creating a lively interplay of light across the hardened edge. In the jihada, a well-forged itame with ji-nie speaks to the craftsmanship of the Osaka smiths, whose work combined refined forging with flamboyant temper lines. This sword captures the dawn of the Muneshige school style , a period when creativity and technical brilliance flourished in Osaka’s swordmaking circles. Housed in a plain shirasaya with a silver foil habaki , the blade is preserved in elegant simplicity, ensuring appreciation of its form and metallurgy. For the serious collector, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a work by a significant Osaka master connected to the great Sukehira line.