Date Masamune's Kunikane Koshirae
Historical Background
Date Masamune(September 5, 1567 - June 27, 1636) was a Japanese samurai of the Azuchi-Momoyama period through the early Edo period. Heir to a long line of powerful Daimyo in the Tohoku region, he went on to found what will be Sendai, the current prefectural capital city of Miyagi prefecture.
An outstanding tactician, he was made all the more iconic for his missing eye. A case of smallpox attacked his eye that would have killed him had he not gouged out his eye. For this, Masamune is called "Dokugan-ryu", the one-eyed dragon.
Specifications
Sendai Kunikane blade is considered Saijo Owazamono Shinto, the best of best Shinto swords and Sendai warlord Date Masamune ordered him to go to Edo capital to be the follower of Ecchu no Kami Masatoshi. Date Masamune often carried the Kunikane sword when he went to war not only as his best partner but as the fortune bringer.
The fitting ornaments of this Kunikane Koshirae feature a classic Ishime(rift-like), Higo Fuchi/Kashira that is made of silver-plated brass. Fans with the rising sun theme on Menuki, bamboo leaves, and fans on iron Tsuba.
Genuine black leather Tsuka cord is wrapped over the blackened Tsukasame and Saya is finished with glossy lacquered Kuroro. Cotton black Sageo is also included. A sand-cased, extra-reinforced zinc/aluminum alloy blade provides superb balance for the dynamic air-slashing move.
Each parts are uncompromisingly hand-assembled by a Japanese sword craftsman, who is an expert in making the genuine Japanese sword, Shinken. The blade is available from 2.20 shaku up to 2.45 shaku. Weight without Saya is approximately 790 grams (for 2.45 shaku). Proudly made in Japan.
*Iaito are made with an aluminum-zinc alloy blade and cannot be sharpened.