This work is Uchigatana, a sword that Master Kunimasa did not seek merely for its artistic value, but with practical use in mind. The style is based on the dynamic midare blade pattern reminiscent of the large waves he is known for, and the gunome and choji have a strong presence. This sword is a combination of beauty and functionality that is typical of swords. And the koshirae, which is said to have been invented by Musashi Miyamoto, is used for the exterior. The tsuba is a sea cucumber design called musashi-tsuba. And the tsukamaki is coated with an old-fashioned Japanese urushi lacquer after being wrapped with a leather cord. The kojiri is made of sturdy iron, giving a glimpse of practical elements. The sheath lacquer is also ishime-nuri, which emphasizes more practicality.

Matsuba Kunimasa's Profile

He creates swords of such beauty and practicality that his work has won special awards at various exhibitions, and he has also won special awards at exhibitions conducted by the Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords for four consecutive years. He himself practices martial arts such as batto and aikido, and has been promoting aikido for more than 30 years. He is also known for making Japanese swords that are practical and utilitarian because he excels at batto. His popularity is not limited to Japan; he travels the world lecturing and teaching aikido and swordsmanship. For his achievements, the Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords recognized him as Mukansa swordsmith in 2014, and in 2022 he was designated as an intangible cultural asset by Miyazaki Prefecture.

• Blade length: 72.8 cm
• Curvature: 1.7 cm
• Number of Mekugi hole: 1
• Signature: Nisshu Kunimasa Kore(front), Heisei Nijugonen Gogatsu Kichijitu(back)
• Fitting: Uchigatana Koshirae
• Original Registration No.: Miyazaki 036704