Lot Essay
Shintogo Kunimitsu is considered the founder of the Soshu school. His father, Awataguchi Kunitsuna, came to Sagami from Kyoto at the behest of the Kamakura bakufu and made a famous tachi for the Hojo Regent, Tokiyori (1227-1263). He remained in Sagami and his son, Kunimitsu, carrying on the Awataguchi tradition, founded the Soshu school in that province. Kunemitsu became the teacher of both Yukimitsu and Goro Nyudo Masamune, who was considered the most famous swordmaker of all. Masamune is recorded as either the brother or son of Kunimitsu.
The Awataguchi tradition can be seen in many of Kunimitsu's blades, most of which are tanto. This example, like the famed Aizu Shintogo tanto in the collection of Aoyama Takayoshi, is representative of Kunimitsu's work. The fine wood grain is highlighted by a soft background of nashiji and a soft scattering of chikei appearing to well up through the surface texture. The narrow thread tempering (ito-suguba), with minimal nie, serves as a quiet counterfoil to the strength of the forging.
The Awataguchi tradition can be seen in many of Kunimitsu's blades, most of which are tanto. This example, like the famed Aizu Shintogo tanto in the collection of Aoyama Takayoshi, is representative of Kunimitsu's work. The fine wood grain is highlighted by a soft background of nashiji and a soft scattering of chikei appearing to well up through the surface texture. The narrow thread tempering (ito-suguba), with minimal nie, serves as a quiet counterfoil to the strength of the forging.