A Kunitsune Katana (上野守藤原国常)

Here is a mighty katana by wazamono swordsmith Kozuke no Kami Fujiwara Kunitsune, who worked during the Manji era circa 1658-1661. Built with generous curvature and a full ubu nakago, this is a blade designed for a warrior’s grip – comfortable in one hand or two. The gunome midare hamon runs the length of the blade with characteristic Mino-tradition togari peaks, bright and consistent from forte to tip, enriched throughout with sunagashi and kinsuji. The steel shows particularly beautiful flowing masame-hada in the shinogi-ji, a hallmark of quality forging. Visible nie crystals penetrate the hamon, and alert eyes will spot fine chikei activity and mune-yaki temper along the spine.

The Edo period dragon-themed koshirae is a standout. Imposing crawling dragon menuki pierce through the silk in katate-maki wrap – purpose-built for one-handed use. The saya lacquer dates to the 1800s and has aged to reveal what appears to be molten lava – and if you look closely, the face of a dragon gazes back at you from within the scabbard. The unique early-Edo iron tsuba is large and quince-shaped with polished curled edges; a boat and mountain scene emerge on close inspection, attributed to Yamashiro province smith Aoki Kanesada who worked in the mid-1600s. The koshirae and tsuba each carry their own NTHK-NPO Kanteisho certification. The silver habakiis a koshi yujo yasuri type. A complete and characterful package.