AS24415 Katana: Chikushu Ju Munehiro Saku (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Chikushu Ju Munehiro Saku
Showa Kinoe-ne Nen 8 Gatsu Kichijitsu (August1984)
筑州住宗弘作
昭和甲子年八月吉日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works by Chikushu Munehiro.
Habaki: Single-layered silver
Blade Length: 72.4 cm (28.50 in)
Curvature: 1.9 cm (0.75 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.23 cm (1.27 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.35 cm (0.93 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.63 cm (0.25 in)
Sword Weight: 695 g
Era: Showa 59 (1984)
Shape: The blade has a wide body, slightly thick kasane, and deep curvature.
The kissaki is extended, with bo-hi grooves carved on both sides, and it retains its original ha (cutting edge), making it a well-preserved work.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, tightly forged and beautiful.
Hamon: Nie-deki gunome-midare with active ashi.
The interior of the blade is bright and clear, with sunagashi and kinsuji.
The boshi is midare-komi with kaeri and also features sunagashi and kinsuji.

Features: Swordsmith Munehiro is the father of So Tsutomu and the founder of the So Tsutomu line.
Born in Meiji 38 (1905), he is known as a highly motivated swordsmith.
He left behind excellent works in the Bizen-den, Soshu-den, and choji-midare styles.
This particular piece is believed to have been made in the style of Kanemitsu.

Koshirae: Modern mount
Tsuba: Circular iron tsuba modeled after Owari style
Fuchikashira: Iron with engraved patterns
Saya: Black roiro lacquer saya
Menuki: Design of oxen

Aoi Art’s Comment: This blade by Chikushu Ju Munehiro features a hamon with deep nioiguchi and choji elements within a gunome-midare pattern.
The blade interior shows active sunagashi and kinsuji.
It is a well-crafted work from Showa 59 (1984).
Munehiro, as the father of So Tsutomu, created pieces that strongly resemble his son’s style.
He is a highly recommended swordsmith.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token(*the paper will be issued later)
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata