Length of cutting edge39.0cm Curvature0.9cm Width of base27.5mm Thickness of base5.6mm
Kitae(forging pattern) : Kitae-hada is outstanding large itame hada mixing in with entwined flowing masame hada. There are some darkish marks (non-steel metals) here and there to create an old atmosphere of forging method and shows impressive steel material. The surface is covered in with sparkling Ji-Nie activity that generates thick Nie lines of Chikei scene over the surface. Ji-nie hard metal glitter appears clearly and Yubashiri whitish hard metal granules works over the surface, grand sight.
Hamon(tempering pattern) : Hamon is Nie based gunome-midare generally, and some clove outline, tadpole shape (Tobiyaki temper) splits over the surface frequently to create HITATSURA style tempers. The interior of temper is filled in deep nioi and Kinsen, Uchinoke and Sunagashi Nie lines flows.The entire temper gives off vivid and strong light.
Boshi (tip): The temper of the tip waves into sharpened up in front and for the ura side is small circle then turns back deeply.
Nakago(tang) : UBU un-altered, Shallow slanted left (Kattesagari) filemarks and round kurijiri heel. Two mekugi-ana. The signature in hakiomote says proudly that the location and Town name (Hishu-Kikuchi) and smith name KUNIMITSU.
This is a superb work of smith KUNIMITSU in Enju school. Frontier of Enju was KUNITOKI who had belonged to Yamato Shikkae school and learned from Rai KUNIMITSU in Yamashiro to exclusively worked for Emperor. He had moved to Higo province in Kyushu inland by an invitation of the powerful clan KIKUCHI. The subject wakizashi have been made by a descendant KUNIMITSU in Enju during Eisho - Tenbun era about 500 years ago. Unlike representative old Enju works, smith Kunrtsugu had a strong influence from real Soshu-school and to reproduce works of Hiromitsu or Akihiro. Aggressive and powerful workmanship impressed favorably. Very good condition.
Double layer gold foiled habaki, set in Shira-Saya plain wood mounting.
