Muramasa

[Lee Bray]

That was a direct quote from Nakahara's book, Chris, just not well punctuated.

 

I saw a Muramasa tanto at this years DTI and at first thought,"Woohoo! A Muramasa!"

But then after seeing so many areas where the hamon ran off, I lost interest very quickly.

Definitely more artifact than art, that one.

[Brian]

I have added the quote block now for clarification.

I would also like to know if we can agree on Micha's theory on the nakago jiri....I would like to update the pdf.

 

Brian

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

  Quote

Definitely more artifact than art, that one.

 

I disagree, a sword is an artifact, it can be a piece of art (that has been already longly debated ); its state of preservation does not matter. The "Venus de Milo" is still a piece of art even if it has lost its arms.

[Eric H]

Well, I prefer to refer to authentic sources namely Fujishiro Koto-Hen

Pics from left to right - Muramasa shodai - Muramasa nidai - Muramasa sandai

Eric

 

Page 255

Plate I: EISHÔ JÛNEN MIZUNOTO-TORI JÛGATSU JÛSANNICHI

Plate II: MURAMASA, MYÔHÔRENGEKYO (The Lotus Sutra)

The "Jûgatsu Jûsannichi" inscription to the right is the death anniversary of Nichiren Shônin

 

Page 257

Plate I: MURAMASA

Plate II: HAKO MIDARE

This is called a hako midare which has collections of nioi appearing, a narrow ha and gonome choji. This is a

blade which resembles Sengo Masashige, Mino Kanesada and Kanefusa, Shimada Yoshisuke and Sukemune,

and Heianjô Nagayoshi nado. Most of the works of Nagayoshi and Nosada have a gentle ha, and Muramasa

and Nosada also have works with severe togari in the ha.

Plate III: SEISHÛ KUWANA GUN MORITA SHÔ FUJIWARA ASON MURAMASA SAKU

Plate IV: TENMON JÛNINEN MIZUNOTO-U GOGATSU HI

 

Page 258

Plate I: SEISHÛ KUWANA FUJIWARA ASON MURAMASA SAKU

Plate II: TENMON NIJÛNINEN KUGATSU KICHIJITSU

Irregularities can be seen in the mei kanji, but this is probably one done in his old age.

MURAMASA SANDAI [TENSHÔ 1573 ISE] SUEKOTÔ CHÛJÔSAKU

He is probably the son of Muramasa of the Daiei era. His works seem to be extremely few.

Signature: MURAMASA

Plate III: MURAMASA