朱銘 當麻國行 光遜(花押)
Price on request
Tracked across 76 dealers worldwide · price history · sold archive
About the maker
Taima Kuniyuki國行
Kuniyuki is regarded as the founder of the Taima group of Yamato Province and was active during the late Kamakura period. Among works of the Taima group, extant signed examples are few; only a small number survive with signatures by Kuniyuki and Aritoshi, while almost all others are works attributed as *mumei* appraisals. His two-character signature appears in two modes: one rendered in *kaisho* (formal block script) within the *kunigamae* enclosure, and another in *gyosho* (semi-cursive) form. Both varieties are considered extremely rare, and any *zaimei* tachi by this smith commands particular scholarly attention. Kuniyuki's forging is a well-worked *itame-hada* mixed with *masame*, often showing areas of flowing grain and thick *ji-nie* with *chikei* appearing throughout. His *hamon* is typically *suguha*-based, gently *notare* and mixed with *choji* or small *gunome*, tending at times toward *ko-midare*. The *habuchi* characteristically shows *hotsure*, while within the tempered area *sunagashi* runs frequently, interspersed with *kinsuji*. The *nioiguchi* is bright and clear. His *boshi* tends toward *sugu*, turning *hakikake* or ending in *yakizume* — a disposition considered typical of Yamato workmanship. Activities such as *chikei* and *kinsuji* intermix freely, giving a lively effect to the steel. Kuniyuki occupies a position of particular importance as the progenitor of the Taima lineage within the broader Yamato tradition. His work demonstrates the defining characteristics of Yamato-den forging — the prominent *masame* tendency, the bright and clear *ji* and *ha* described as *akaruku saeru*, and the restrained yet animated temper line — while displaying a refinement and individuality that distinguishes his hand from later Taima smiths. The rarity of signed examples only heightens the significance of each surviving blade, and his best works are noted for their *kenzen* condition and sound preservation.
