Muneshige Tanto 宗重作 短刀 Item TK066

  • Period: Modern (2004)

  • Mei (Signature): Muneshige Saku 宗重作
    ‍        ‍
    Midsummer, 2004 平成十六年盛夏

  • Nakago - 1 Mekugi-ana -Ubu

  • Nagasa - 23cm

  • Sori: - 0.2cm

  • Motohaba - 2.3cm

  • Motokasane - 0.6cm

  • Nakago Length - 11cm

¥ 300,000

Muneshige Tantō with Exquisite Silver and Lapis Lazuli Koshirae

Chikushū-jū Muneshige (筑州住宗重), whose real name was Kojō Shigeaki (古城重昭), was born in 1932 (Shōwa 7) in Japan. A skilled modern Japanese swordsmith, Muneshige received his training under the accomplished swordsmith Munehiro (宗弘), father of the renowned Mukansa-ranked swordsmith Munetsugu (宗勉). As fellow disciples of Munehiro, Muneshige and Munetsugu shared the same foundation in traditional Japanese sword-forging techniques.

Much like the works of Munetsugu, Muneshige's blades have earned a reputation for their exceptional sharpness and cutting performance. His swords are highly regarded as modern wazamono, a term associated with blades of superior cutting ability.

The blade features an iori-mune and a beautifully refined jigane consisting of tightly and finely forged ko-itame-hada. The hamon is a magnificent ō-gunome-midare, characterised by exceptionally bright and clear nie. Abundant ashi extend throughout the entire hamon, creating a lively and visually captivating temper pattern.

The tantō is accompanied by an elegant and beautifully coordinated koshirae, featuring silver fittings, white samegawa, and richly patterned blue brocade. The tsuka is adorned with decorative silver menuki, complemented by finely worked silver fuchi and kashira. The saya is covered in deep blue brocade with intricate floral patterns, lending the mounting a particularly refined appearance. The silver fittings, including the koiguchi, kurikata, and kojiri, feature delicate scrolling floral engravings, while the kurikata is further accented by a striking lapis lazuli gemstone. The harmonious contrast between the lustrous silver, white rayskin, and deep blue brocade creates a sophisticated and visually distinctive ensemble.