Features:

A refined utushi-mono of Chu-Koto, displaying the classic shape of a Nanboku-cho era tachi, by the founder of the Shinto Takada school. This is a work by the swordsmith Muneyuki who was active in the late 1500’s and early 1600’s in Kyushu. After training under the famous Hizen Tadayoshi, also in Kyushu, he founded the Shinto Takada school in Bungo. While swords from Bungo are generally considered utilitarian, and Bungo swordsmiths were plentiful, this sword ranks as one of the top works from the best swordsmith from that school. It showcases an unusual level of refinement, evident of a master of the craft. His swords are considered wazamono for being able to cut very well.

The blade features a stout, straighter sugata capped by a desirably long O-Kissaki. The nakago is ubu and signed Fujiwara Muneyuki. The jigane is a moist well-grained itame hada, having ji nie sprinkled throughout. The hada and the hamon are reminiscent of works from the Aoe school that was active in the 1200’s and 1300’s. The hamon is a highly refined suguha, defined by a tight nioi guchi and lined with ko-gunome. The hamon evinces ko-ashi and yo in a very similar manner to Aoe workmanship. The hamon ends in a turbulent type of maru boshi.

Along with Edo period koshirae, wooden shirasaya, and double gold foil habaki.