Ordering number:AS24166

Katana: In Shirasaya with Army Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Fujiwara Muneyuki (Takada School)
藤原統行作(初代)(高田)

According to our standards, this work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku (Superior Work) for Fujiwara Muneyuki.
Habaki: Plain copper single-layered
Blade Length: 71.0 cm (27.95 in)
Curvature: 2.2 cm (0.87 in)
Mekugi-ana: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.07 cm (1.21 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.03 cm (0.80 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.67 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight: 765 g (1.69 lb)
Era: Azuchi-Momoyama Period, around Tensho Era (late 16th century)
Shape: A slightly broad blade with a sturdy thickness and deep curvature.
The kissaki is long, giving the blade an elegant and robust appearance.
Both sides of the blade feature a bo-hi with red lacquer filling the grooves.
Jigane: Fine itame hada, well-forged with a visible grain structure.
The surface shows utsuri and a textured appearance, highlighting the skill of the smith.
Hamon:Ko-gunome-midare with tobiyaki, displaying an active and vibrant tempering.
The boshi is rounded and returns gracefully.

Features: Fujiwara Muneyuki is recognized as a smith operating in the transitional period between the koto and shinto eras, often referred to as the "new-old boundary" period.
He belonged to the Takada school in Bungo Province (modern-day Oita Prefecture) and was highly active during the late Muromachi and Azuchi-Momoyama periods.
Early works by Muneyuki are known for their tightly forged jigane with ji-nie and chikei, making them some of the finest among Bungo blades.
The Takada school, often compared to Hizen blades, is praised for its distinct jigane and workmanship, which stands out among Japanese swords.

Koshirae: Type: Imperial Japanese Army Officer’s Koshirae
Owner: Belonged to an officer of the Imperial Japanese Army, likely of the rank of Major, Lieutenant Colonel, or Colonel.
Condition: Excellent preservation.
Details:
The sword knot (sageo) features a red tassel.
The fittings include the officer’s family crest (kamon) on the kashira.
The lacquered scabbard and fittings remain in exceptional condition, reflecting the owner’s pride and status.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This blade showcases a deep sori and long kissaki, giving it the appearance of a much older work.
The red lacquer applied to the nakago and bo-hi likely reflects the owner’s intent to prevent rust, especially in humid conditions on the mainland.
It may also have been intended to intimidate enemies by displaying the striking red hue.
This sword, attributed to the first-generation Fujiwara Muneyuki, is an excellent example of Takada craftsmanship, highly recommended for its historical and aesthetic value.
The koshirae, owned by a distinguished officer, adds further significance to this piece.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata

＊If you order to polishi it, it will cost 50,000 JPY additionally.

Auction Starting Price:850,000JPY

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