Wakizashi in Koshirae.
Aogai Koshirae.
【 NBTHK TOKUBETSU HOZON 】
Signed: 菊紋 山城守藤原国清 Kikumon Yamashiro No Kami Fujiwara Kunikiyo.
Yamashiro no Kami Fujiwara Kunikiyo was a master swordsmith active during the early Edo period. Originally from Matsumoto in Shinshu, he became a pupil of Horikawa Kunihiro and later forged swords in Fukui as a retained smith for the Echizen Matsudaira family. His work is characterized by a "sixteen-petaled chrysanthemum crest" engraved on the tang (*nakago*), and the first generation smith is considered the most skilled and renowned of the lineage.
Career: Originally known as Shimada Kichiemon Sukemune, he studied under Kunihiro in Kyoto and subsequently changed his name to "Kunikiyo." He accompanied Matsudaira Tadamasa when the latter relocated from Takada in Echigo Province to Fukui in Echizen Province; he was granted the title of *Yamashiro no Daijō* in the 4th year of Kan'ei (1627) and *Yamashiro no Kami* the following year. Grant of the Chrysanthemum Crest: Following the death of his master, Kunihiro, he received permission from the Imperial Court to engrave the sixteen-petaled chrysanthemum crest onto the tang (*nakago*) of his swords. Style: While he excelled in the straight temper line (*suguha*) style, he also produced irregular temper patterns (*midareba*), faithfully upholding the stylistic traditions of the Horikawa school.
"Kikumon Yamashiro-no-Kami Fujiwara Kunikiyo" refers to a renowned swordsmith active during the early Edo period, as well as the inscription (signature) found on his swords. Kunikiyo—particularly the first generation—is highly acclaimed for possessing exceptional skill among the many *Shintō* (New Sword) era smiths.
Background and Lineage of the Swordsmith "Kunikiyo": Born in Matsumoto, Shinshu, he originally went by the name Shimada Kichiemon. He traveled to Kyoto and trained under the renowned swordsmith Horikawa Kunihiro. Becoming a Retainer Swordsmith: Later, he became a retainer swordsmith for Matsudaira Tadamasa (son of Yūki Hideyasu), the lord of the Echizen-Fukui Domain, and produced numerous masterpieces in the region of Echizen (present-day Fukui Prefecture)
Origins of the Inscription (Signature) and Chrysanthemum Crest: Receipt of the Title "Yamashiro-no-Kami"—He received the title "Yamashiro-no-Daijō" in 1627 (Kan'ei 4) and was appointed "Yamashiro-no-Kami" the following year. Grant of the Chrysanthemum Crest—Upon receiving the title of Yamashiro-no-Kami, he was granted special permission by the Imperial Court to engrave the chrysanthemum crest (a sixteen-petaled chrysanthemum) onto the *nakago* (the tang, or the part of the blade that fits into the hilt). This is the reason he is known as "Kikumon Yamashiro-no-Kami Fujiwara Kunikiyo."
Ranking: In the classification of Japanese swords, it is ranked as *Shintō Jōjō-saku* (Superior-grade *Shintō*), a designation reserved for the finest swordsmiths of the Edo period. It is also renowned as a *Wazamono*—a sword celebrated for its exceptional cutting ability.
Nagasa 58.7 cm. Sori 1.4 cm.
Motohaba 2.9 cm. Motogasane 0.7 cm.
Sakihaba 1.9 cm. Sakigasane 0.5 cm.
In decent polish. Sold as is, no returns.
$80 shipping by EMS.
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Sold as is, no returns.