A Japanese katana

Fujiwara Munetsugu, Edo period

Signed on the nakago "Bizen no suke Fujiwara Munetsugu", ([Made by] Fujiwara Munetsugu of the Bizen region)(Japanese, 1802-?), and marked "Azami Tsunetoshi", probably the name of the blade's owner; blade with midare hamon, itame hada, copper habaki, two holes to nakago; ray skin tsuka with serpent menuki, bronze floral fuchi and gilt floral kashira, mixed metal tsuba; and a plain black lacquer saya.

Length: 38 7/8 in. (overall)

Length: 98.74 cm. (overall)

Provenance: Private collection, Connecticut.

Condition: Overall spotting to blade with some light pitting, small blade nick in mono-uchi.

Dimensions of blade: Length: 26 1/4 in.; Length: 66.68 cm.

Munetsugu was born at Mutsu Shirakawa province as a son of Koyama Munehira. His name was Soubei. He was working for Matudaira Daimyo family as a sword making Samurai. He moved to Kuwana province with his master and then he moved to Edo Tenpo 2nd year. At that time he was a well known sword smith and many Samurai asked to him make swords. His sword is well known as well cut and we can see many swords mentioned Saidanmei and also possession name on the tang of the blade. Generaly speaking the quality of Munetsuga is one of the top sword smith in late Edo period and without any faults among his swords.

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