Ordering Number: AS26198

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (Consignment Sale)

Signature: Musashi Ju Kunikane Saku (Mukansa)
A lucky day in February, Showa 61 (1986).
武蔵住国家作(無監査)
昭和六十一年二月吉日

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Musashi Ju Kunikane Saku.
Habaki: Gold-plated single habaki.
Blade Length: 77.5 cm (30.51 in).
Curvature: 2.8 cm (1.10 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.45 cm (1.36 in).
Width at Yokote: 2.42 cm (0.95 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.74 cm (0.29 in).
Sword Weight: 860 grams.
Era: Showa 61 (1986).
Shape: Long blade with wide mihaba, engraved with bo-hi grooves, deep curvature, and an extended kissaki.
Jigane: Fine ko-itame hada well forged, forming a beautiful steel surface.
Hamon: Nie-deki choji-midare with complex intertwining patterns continuing into the boshi.

Features: Yoshihara Shoji (swordsmith name: Kunikane) was born on February 17, Showa 20 (1945), raised in Katsushika, Tokyo, and received numerous awards including the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award, Kunzan Award, and Kanzan Award.
Among modern swordsmiths, Kunikane held the prestigious title of Mukansa swordsmith, granted only to the highest-ranking smiths possessing exceptional skill.
A modern “Mukansa swordsmith” is recognized as a master craftsman who has achieved the extremely difficult standard of winning special prizes more than 10 times at the NBTHK Contemporary Swordsmith Exhibition.
He also appeared as a swordsmith in the film “The Last Samurai” released in Heisei 15 (2003).
In Heisei 20 (2008), he was designated as a Holder of Tokyo Metropolitan Intangible Cultural Property.
He passed away on May 28, Reiwa 5 (2023), at the age of 78.

Koshirae: Tachi Koshirae (Modern).

Aoi Art’s Comment: This work is a grand and highly spirited piece.
The tachi koshirae is also very well crafted.
We sincerely hope that the next owner will preserve and treasure this sword carefully.

AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata.

Please note: the price does not include the shipping fees.

Auction Starting Price:2,500,000JPY