【The Founder of Soshu-den: A Revolutionary of Japanese Swords】 Active from the mid to late Kamakura period, Kunimitsu laid the foundation for the "Soshu-den" style, which merged the elegance of traditional swordmaking with formidable practical strength and overwhelming beauty. Technical Innovation: By skillfully combining hard and soft steels, he maximized practical performance—creating blades that "would not break, would not bend, and cut superbly." Mentor to a Master: Kunimitsu is renowned as the teacher of Masamune, arguably the most famous swordsmith in Japanese history. Masamune’s genius blossomed under Kunimitsu’s guidance. Please not that attribution (smith and datation) is provided for reference only, subject to authentication. 【"Serene Brilliance": The Style of Shintogo Kunimitsu】 The beauty of Kunimitsu’s Jigane (grain of the steel) has been praised since ancient times as the "Shintogo Jigane." Exquisite Steel: The meticulously forged Itame-hada is densely covered with sparkling Ji-nie (crystalline particles), creating a profound appearance reminiscent of stars in the night sky. Dignified Hamon: He specialized in Suguha (straight temper line), restraining flashiness. It is said that a flawless spirituality dwells within that single, unwavering line. 【The Envy of Warlords: Kunimitsu as a Symbol of Status】 Kunimitsu’s swords have been cherished as "Family Treasures" by legendary warlords and Daimyo families for centuries. Symbol of Authority: Great unifiers like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu sought out Kunimitsu’s work. Today, many of his pieces are designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. Timeless Value: Regardless of the era, the signature of Kunimitsu represents the "Highest Rank." For a collector, holding a Kunimitsu blade means touching the very pinnacle of Japanese sword history. 【The Blade: Serene Beauty Carved by "Kunimitsu"】 This sword is a masterful piece with the two-character signature "Kunimitsu" (國光) boldly carved into the Nakago (tang). Steel and Hamon: A beautifully forged Itame-hada characteristic of Kunimitsu, accompanied by a calm and elegant Suguha-style temper line. Kissaki (Point): It maintains a sharp and powerful form, where functional beauty as a weapon and traditional aesthetic beauty coexist. 【Koshirae: Original "Diagonal Stripe" and Exquisite Metalwork】 Accompanying the blade is a set of mountings (Koshirae) that are both prestigious and playful, echoing the sharpness of the sword. Original Scabbard (Saya): The Kawari-nuri (special lacquer) featuring vibrant cinnabar-red diagonal stripes on black lacquer is the epitome of "Iki" (sophisticated style). Tsuba (Guard): A radial design that utilizes the texture of the iron. it combines practical heaviness with decorative elegance. Metal Fittings (Fuchi-Kashira & Menuki): Fuchi-Kashira: A masterpiece of craftsmanship with precise engravings on a deep-toned base. Menuki: Heroic beasts are carved in high relief (Katachi-bori), providing a strong presence within the hilt. Habaki: A golden-glowing Habaki secures the blade, enhancing its overall prestige and dignity. 【Conclusion: To the Next Custodian】 In the history of Japanese swords, is there any signature as filled with legend as this? The name of Kunimitsu—the father of Soshu-den and the mentor to Masamune. This sword is a unique masterpiece where a noble blade, carrying forward ancient traditions, harmonizes perfectly with a sophisticated cinnabar-red scabbard that meets the modern aesthetic eye. For the collector who values "Rank," possessing a Kunimitsu means standing at the same height as the great unifiers of the past. May you take this serene brilliance of "Kunimitsu" into your hands as a cherished addition to your collection—a treasure to be passed down to the next generation. This blade, inhabited by the weight of history and the soul of the craftsman, promises to elevate the status of your collection the moment you hold it. 【Condition】 Blade is in excellent condition. Habaki has some cracks. Please check the photos. Size Details; Koshirae Full length: 91.7cm TOTAL Length : 87.4cm Blade length: 67.6cm Motohaba : 2.8cm Motokasane : 0.7cm Weight : 0.6kg Sori: 2.1cm 【Shipping costs】 Free shipping to all countries. 【Attention before bid】 This is a truly domestic Japanese sword that has never left Japan. To export, we need to obtain an export permit from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It takes about 25 business days from the time the buyer makes payment to the time the transportation process begins. While we have generally been able to ship to countries worldwide without issues, there may be instances where we need to consult with you regarding a cancellation if all available carriers refuse shipment to a specific region. Currently, shipping to Slovakia is extremely difficult; therefore, we kindly ask that you refrain from bidding/purchasing if you are located there. Additionally, please note that the exportation of swords to China and Russia is strictly prohibited in all cases. Thank you for your understanding.