Katana signed Uta KUNIMUNE
M10588(S8259)
Shinto Early Edo period (Enpo era/about 330 years ago) Etchu
Length of cutting edge67.1cm Curvature1.0cm Width of base30.7mm Width of Yokote20.3mm Thickness of base7.2mm
Sugata(configuration) : Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune. Mihaba on base is wide standing firmly with shallow curve leading to a middle kissaki. The blade is massive and rich in hiraniku and heavy in hand. (click HERE for higher resolution)
Kitae(forging pattern) : Kitae-hada is fine Itame-hada (wooden grain) and the sparkling ji-nie and precise chikei works in Hiraji.
Hamon(tempering pattern) : Hamon is thick and fine ko-nie based, box shape gunome up to a middle of cutting edge and the upper area becomes Togari-ha (zig-zag). The interior of temper works with thick nie-feet (ashi) and is vividly bright with deep nioi.
Boshi (tip): The temper of the tip irregularly marks and then turns back with tight end.
Nakago(tang) : Unaltered (UBU) and one original peg retaining hole. Filemark is Osujikai (slanting left). The signature in hakiomite is four large character that reads [Uta KUNIMUNE]. The shape of heel is V-shape (Ha-agari IRIYAMA).
Uta school in Etchu province had been prospered between Kouan (nanbokucho) and Meiou (middole of Muromachi) 14th - 15th century and had come from Uta-gun Yamato province (Nara). The subject katana is quite rare to come across and understood that the age of work is Enpo (17th century) during Edo Shinto period. From the Sword Smiths Directory, he moved to Edo to make swords in order to meet with Samurais' demand and orders. There is an elaborate pure-dragon curving and Bonji-horimono which is highly skilled and well-balanced to the sword. The entire blade is an excellent condition and maintains rich and abundant volume, although there are some but slight scratch marks over the surface that came from old polish. All those wares can entirely removed when blade is sent for polish next time. However it is still in fine condition and can fully enjoy as it is.
Copper old habaki collar set in Shirasaya plain wood mounting.
Weight: 5000.00 gms
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