Archived Nihonto.ca (Yuhindo.com): Koyama Munetsugu
Koyama Munetsugu
| period: | Shinshinto |
| designation: | NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon |
| nakago: | see description |
| nagasa: | 23.4cm |
| price: | N/A |
Koyama Munetsugu was born in Shirakawa, Oshu, and is the younger brother of Koyama Tadatsuna. Fujishiro rates him at Jo-jo saku for a high degree of excellence in craft. There is a substantial and interesting entry on this smith, and I will quote it here:
… [Munetsugu] was in the Kato Tsunahide Mon, and was called Koyama Sobei. Also, he had the Go of Issensai or Seiryosai. He went to Edo and became the swordsmith of the Kuwana Han, and he lived in Asabu Nagasaka and Yotsuya Samon-cho. He underwent training in the sharpness of blades with Yamada Asauemon and Iga Tomo nado. He received the title of Bizen no Suke in Koka Ninen (1845), and there are works remaining from up until the beginning of Meiji.There is a story that, when Minamoto Kiyomaro began a sword industry in Yotsuya Iga-cho, since it is said that he did not notice Munetsugu, who was living in Samon-cho at the same time, Munetsugu became angry and sent him a letter of challenge. This is an interesting affair which illustrates and reminds us of the disposition of swordsmiths. His works include some with a ji of strong ko-mokume and some with o-itame hada, and hamon is nioi shimari gunome choji. Also, there are horimono which are thought to have been made by him, and I have seen engravings of ryu and kenmakiryu.
This tanto is a real treat because it bears a long and interesting inscription. I have the translation on hand, and given time will write up the kanji (which for me is a slow and painful process, so it will have to wait until I have more time). The translation of the inscription on the nakago is as follows:
- I (Tomomi) was active in the Boshin Civil War (see note)
- Medals of Honor were awarded to me at this time
- I am thankful to Mr. Tanaka, who has assisted me for a long time
- So I present him with this tanto
- Koyama Munetsugu made this sword with diligence by the request of Tomomi Iwakura in the Spring of 1870
The tanto appears to be in its original and old polish. Polishing techniques have advanced considerably starting near the era that this sword was made. The jigane appears to be a very tight ko-itame, bordering on muji, and it is possible that a new polish will change this appearance. It needs to be shown to a polisher in order to get a proper opinion. The hamon is choji midare utilizing long ashi, with some mixed notare and gunome, in nioi deki.
The tanto is accompanied by very attractive high quality antique koshirae, that are the original koshirae for the blade. Click the image below for a high resolution picture. They are also pictured in the slideshow. A new two piece gold foil habaki adorns the tanto in the shirasaya, while what would appear to be the original habaki resides in the koshirae.
Prince Tomomi Iwakura
The man who ordered this tanto be made was a man of importance. Prince Tomomi Iwakura was born to a low ranked noble family, and later adopted to the higher ranking Iwakura and became a chamberlain to the Emperor Komei. He was initially opposed to the west, and was for the incorporation of the Imperial and Tokugawa families. His opinion gradually changed to one of pro-imperial rule, and in 1862 he was imprisoned by Tokugawa Shogun Iemochi.
He gained his freedom in 1867, and the next year the Boshin Civil War broke out between the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the supporters of the Emperor. Being appointed as a minister in 1868, he played an important role in leading the Imperial forces to victory, which finally ended the Tokugawa dictatorship and began the fast march of the Japanese nation into the modern era.
During his career he held the position of Ambassador to the United States, Foreign Minister, and was also the first Prime Minister. During his tenure in the government, he strongly opposed war with Korea, which resulted pro-war figures in the government to resign and increasing his own stature. At the time of his death in 1883, he was considered the leading politician in Japan.
Between 1969 and 1994, his portrait graced the 500 yen note.
