Page 100 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

95 | MONJU SHIGEKUNI:
A KATANA IN KOSHIRAE
By Monju Shigekuni, signed Monju Shigekuni
Japan, 17th-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The blade:
The slender blade with shinogi-zukuri and iori mune. The hamon
with gunome and kawazuko-choji as well as nioi. The hada is itame.
The nakago (tang) with one mekugi-ana, the yasurime is sujikai,
the tip is ha-agari kurijiri. Signed MONJU SHIGEKUNI tsukuru kore.
Master swordsmiths in Kii Province have used this name over several
generations.
The mounting:
The silver-rimmed iron tsuba with ryohitsu (one plugged) and gold
nunome depicting two dragons with a tama (magic pearl) between their
heads and a carp below them. Both seppa are gilt and executed in the
form of the beaming sun, both are signed Kikukado tsukuru (‘Made in the
Chrysanthemum Shrine’). The handle with bronze fuchi and kashira, both
menuki under the tsuka-ito are florally decorated. The red-lacquered
saya with iron elements for mounting.
NAGASA 68.8 cm, total LENGTH 105.7 cm
Condition: The blade is in overall good condition with few minor damages
and some forging irregularities. The mounting is in excellent condition.
Provenance: Hungarian private collection.
Estimate EUR 2,500
Starting price EUR 1,250