munetsugu smith, some info please

[markturner]

Hi, as part of my ongoing studies and learning curve, based on the study of the 3 swords I now own, I am trying to find out some information about a smith named Munetsugu, who made my katana. Now, I don't have the sword here ( it is having a tsuka made and a set of mountings fitted in the USA) so can't show you photos as yet.

 

However, this is what I do know from the auction catalogue description ( quote) "shinshinto katana by Sanjo Munechika 16th generation munetsugu in shirasaya with sayagaki by Honami Heijuro" Dated a day in the 8th month of Bunsei (1819) . The sword is ex of the Bigelow collection and is described as: shallow koshi-zori, with chu-kissaki; itami masaji; sugaha komidare in nie and nioi with ashi; kaen boshi; tapering nakago with katasegari yasuri and two mekugi-ana; And the mei described as: Sanjo Munechika ju roku dai Munetsugu. Now, the only Munetsugu I can find references to was a famous Hizen smith, Koyama Munetsugu, but he born in 1802 and so would be a bit young to have made this...

 

So, please can anyone tell from this information what they know of this smith, school, line, etc or where I could look for further information.

I understand that sayagaki by the Honami are supposed to be good, also that both Munechika and Munetsugu are big names, but how do they relate to my sword, which while very nice, is not I suspect in the same league as them....Any information or pointers gratefully received.

 

Regards, Mark Turner

[Geraint]

Hi Mark.

Second attempt at a reply, not sure what I did to the first one. You are certainly diving into this hobby/study, good for you. I suspect that the reason you have had few replies is that you have posed too many questions and without pictures there is a problem finding where to start. Hope some of this helps. There are some sixty odd smiths listed in Hawley who signed Munetsugu so pinning yours down may take a bit of effort. Koyama Munetsugu is as you say a big name, one of the biggest in the shinshinto era. Search the forum and I am sure you will come across him, especially the story about the naginata by him discovered in a Cornish barn not far from here...... (Can you hear the slight tone of envy?) This Munetsugu is usually associated with the Bizen tradition, not the Hizen which is very different, though like many smiths he was able to work in a variety of styles. There are several Hizen Munetsugu smiths, some working into the shinshinto.

 

My library is far from complete but there is a smith listed in Hawley, MUN34 who signed Mikasa sanroku ju Sanjo Kokaji Munechika. Food for thought, not a million miles away from the auction house translation. Whatever the outcome when you get the sword some photos would be great and might well help other members give you the information you are looking for. Of course the date you give might only refer to the sayagaki....? In which case once again pictures will tell much.

 

Looking forward to seeing the sword.

 

All the best

[markturner]

I have a picture from my phone of the page in the auction catalogue that shows the mei fairly clearly, and also the blade, does this help?

 

 

 

regards, Mark

[markturner]

OK, I have established thanks to Jean, that there are 2 possible Munetsugu smiths who could have made the sword, one from Iwashiro, rated Jo saku, 380 points and Suishinsi lineage school. The other, is From Musashi, rated jo jo / joyo 700 points Tsunatera lineage/school. My feeling is that the former is probably the smith, as while it would be nice, I don't think my sword is 700 points good...unless I got real lucky!!

 

Jean says I should look at oshigata of the two smiths, so anyone who has any, please let me know, and otherwise, any pointers to further information on either smiths and or schools, greatfully received. How would I also go about tracing the lineage back to Munechika, as My Munetsugu is specifically referenced as a 16th Generation Sanjo Munechika on the sayagaki.

 

Edit: The Mei has been translated as "Sanjo munechika jurokudai munetsugu" . I cant find any Munetsugu with a Mei like this either on nihontoclub database or shin shinto. That would seem to rule out either of the two possibles I mentioned above. Not sure where to go from here....How would the lineage be able to be traced ?

 

Many thanks, Mark