¥14,000,000

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About the maker

Ichimonji Yukikuni行國

Yukikuni was an early swordsmith of the Fukuoka Ichimonji group in Bizen Province, active during the early Kamakura period around the Jogen era (c. 1207--1211). He is counted among the smiths summoned as *ban-kaji* -- smiths in appointed service -- to forge for the Retired Emperor Go-Toba. Tradition further relates that he later resided in Ishikawa in Kawachi Province. The *Hidansho*, written by Utsunomiya Mikawa Nyudo, describes his workmanship as bold and somewhat rustic, with rounded steel and thick *ha*. Additionally, a smith named Yukikuni is recorded among the Senoo smiths of Bicchu Province, a group distinguished from the neighboring Aoe school by their signature customs, *chirimen*-like *jigane*, and *o-sujikai* filemarks. Extant signed works by Yukikuni are extremely few. Yukikuni's tachi present an elegant and classical form: slender, with *ko-kissaki* and high *koshizori* in which the curvature advances toward the tip, producing a restrained *fushi-gokoro* impression characteristic of the period. The forging is fine *ko-itame* mixed with *mokume*, with *ji-nie* adhering thickly and fine *chikei* entering. Vivid *midare-utsuri* stands out distinctly in the *ji*. The *hamon* is composed of small-pattern elements -- *ko-choji* mixed with *ko-gunome* and *ko-midare* -- with small *ashi* and occasional *tobiyaki* interspersed in the upper half, while *ko-nie* adheres well. Broader *suguha*-based compositions also appear, with extremely shallow *notare* and *nioi*-dominant character. The *boshi* is typically *midare-komi*, turning back in *ko-maru*. Compared with Ko-Bizen, this work reveals greater technical sophistication and refinement, making the characteristic features of Ko-Ichimonji conspicuously manifest. Yukikuni's blades survive in *kenzen* condition with *ubu nakago* bearing crisp, clearly legible signatures -- a circumstance of the highest desirability given the rarity of his signed work. Each example constitutes precious documentary material for research into Yukikuni, the early Fukuoka Ichimonji school, and the broader traditions of Bizen and Bicchu swordsmithing in the early Kamakura period.

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