Description:
A WAKIZASHI IN KOSHIRAE BY MUNECHIKA
Japan, Yamashiro, Kenmu Restoration / Muromachi period (1333-1573), 1334-46 – according to the signature (Hawley MUN36)
The blade:
Elegantly forged with iori mune and shinogi-zukuri, the hamon is with a characterful notare, the hada is a subtle itame. The tang is ubu with one mekugi-ana, the yasurime is o-sujikai, the tang tip is iri-yamagata. The signature reads Sanjo Kokaji MUNECHIKA saku.
The mounting:
The oval-round iron tsuba with one hitsu, the inlaid gilt decorations have been partly lost. The bronze fuchi and kashira show figural scenes in partly gilt high relief over fine nanakoji. The mekugi are crafted in the shape of leaf bundles with gilt shobu blossoms. The more recent saya with silky roironuri. The kozuka is missing. With the sageo and a silk cover.
NAGASA 43 cm
total LENGTH in koshirae 62 cm
Provenance: Hungarian private collection.
Condition: Very good condition.