Both the blade and its mountings (Koshirae) boast an impressive size and overwhelming presence. This is a truly impeccable ensemble—from the legendary craftsmanship of the smith (bearing a highly rare, authentic signature) to the superb execution of the blade and the sheer perfection of its mountings. Each element stands as a testament to the highest level of Japanese artistry. This is an exceptional masterpiece that I recommend, with absolute confidence, to the most discerning and true connoisseurs of the Japanese sword. 【Hishu Kikuchi-ju Kunihiro(肥州菊池住国廣): The Ultimate Blade Crafted by a Creative Collective】 Hishu Kikuchi-ju Kunihiro is a legendary swordsmith who remained active between 1469 and 1487. Swords bearing the authentic signature (mei) of "Hishu Kikuchi-ju Kunihiro" are incredibly rare, with very few surviving examples today, making this an exceptionally precious find. The Enju School: The Elite Creative Collective Kunihiro belonged to the Enju school, a prestigious group of swordsmiths based in the Kikuchi district of Higo Province (modern-day Kumamoto) from the Nanboku-cho to the Muromachi period. This collective served as the exclusive smiths for the Kikuchi Clan, one of the most powerful and feared samurai clans of the Nanboku-cho era. They were more than just craftsmen; they were the "creative collective" of the battlefield. Their most famous innovation was the "Kikuchi Senbon-yari" (Kikuchi Thousand Spears)—a revolutionary, compact spear made by mounting a short sword on the tip of a bamboo pole. This game-changing weapon took the era by storm. The Enju school’s relentless pursuit of innovation left a massive impact on Japanese weaponry, and this particular sword is a standout masterpiece of that creative lineage. The Origin of the "Strongest" Lineage: The world-famous "Dotanuki" blades—renowned in pop culture (like Touken Ranbu) and historical dramas as the toughest, most pragmatic combat swords—are the direct descendants of the techniques perfected by Kunihiro and the Enju school. To hold a blade by Kunihiro is to touch the very roots of the "strongest" lineage in Japanese history. He laid the foundation for the "monsters" of the battlefield that would follow. Rare and Custom-Made Excellence: Swords specifically engraved with the name "Hishu Kikuchi-ju Kunihiro" are scarce in historical records. This suggests that his blades were either "注文打ち" (Chumon-uchi)—custom-made exclusively for high-ranking samurai of the Kikuchi clan—or were masterworks so exceptional that the smith felt compelled to sign them. This rarity elevates its value to the highest level. Note: This blade is a "Ubu-dashi" (a fresh discovery directly from a private estate) and has not yet been submitted for NBTHK certification. We cannot certify the signature is genuine, however, the quality of the craftsmanship is absolutely flawless. 【Blade/Koshirae】 Blade Condition: Exceptional The condition of the blade is truly magnificent. The Hamon (temper line) is a classic Suguha (straight line), showcasing the traditional elegance of the Enju school at its finest. The Jihada (grain pattern) reveals a delicate, intricate texture that captivates the eye from every angle. Considering this blade dates back to the 1400s, its state of preservation is of the highest caliber—absolutely flawless. Koshirae: Magnificent Tachi-style Koshirae The sword is housed in a grand Tachi Koshirae measuring an impressive 107 cm. Crafted during the late Edo period (Bakumatsu), the mountings possess a profound antique patina and historical character. Every component, from the Tsuba (handguard) to the smallest fitting, is of top-tier quality (please refer to the photographs for details). 【size】 ・Koshirae Full length: 107.0cm ・TOTAL Length : 96.0cm ・Blade length: 72.0cm ・Motohaba : 2.8cm ・Motokasane : 0.8cm ・Weight : 0.8kg ・Sori: 2.3cm 【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. We have shipped to many countries around the world without any problems, but we may need to consult with you about cancellations in the case of destinations where all carriers refuse to ship. Please note that Katana shipments to China and Russia are prohibited in any case.