Tachi by Mukansa Swordsmith Hiroki Hirokuni 1990 NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon

Hiroki Hirokuni Tachi NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon

An elegant expression of modern Japanese swordmaking, with graceful curvature, finely forged steel and a beautifully restrained suguha hamon.

Some swords reveal their beauty immediately. Others invite you to look more closely, rewarding your attention with subtle details in the steel. This tachi by Hiroki Hirokuni offers both: a striking, deeply curved silhouette and a refined surface whose character unfolds as the light moves across the blade.

Signed Sagami Kuni Junin Hirokuni Tsukuru and dated New Year, 1990, it is an accomplished work by a swordsmith who would later attain the prestigious Mukansa status. Accompanied by NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken certification, the sword is presented in shirasaya with a gold-foiled habaki.

Graceful Form and Presence

The blade measures 67.1 cm, with a pronounced 2.2 cm curvature that gives it an elegant, flowing profile. A generous width at the base tapers towards a relatively short kissaki, creating a harmonious balance between strength and refinement.

Bō-hi, or longitudinal grooves, are carved on both sides. They emphasise the sweep of the blade and bring clarity to its proportions. The slightly substantial kasane lends the sword a confident presence, while the overall shape remains graceful.

The blade is described as healthy and well preserved, with remaining ubu-ha near the base.

Finely Forged Steel

The jigane displays a tightly worked ko-itame hada, a fine wood-grain forging pattern. Its refinement provides a quiet, intricate background to the hamon.

This is a blade that rewards patient observation. Rather than relying on a bold surface pattern, its appeal lies in the precision of the forging and the subtle relationship between the grain of the steel and the hardened edge.

A faint utsuri is also described in the ji, adding another delicate layer of interest.

The Beauty of Suguha

The hamon is a finely executed suguha, with gentle ashi extending towards the cutting edge. Its measured line complements the deep curvature of the blade, giving the sword a composed and dignified appearance.

The apparent simplicity of suguha draws attention to small variations: the softness of the ashi, the continuity of the hardened edge and the way the hamon interacts with the finely forged jigane. Here, those details create a work of considerable elegance.

The Swordsmith Hiroki Hirokuni

Hiroki Hirokuni (廣木弘邦) was born in Fukuoka and worked in Kanagawa Prefecture, the region historically associated with Sagami province. He trained under Sumitani Masamine, developing a strong technical foundation and a broad understanding of the classical swordmaking traditions.

His craftsmanship encompassed the Bizen, Yamato, Yamashiro and Sōshū traditions, reflecting both versatility and a deep respect for the historical Japanese sword.

Hirokuni attained Mukansa status in 1996, six years after this blade was made. He passed away in May 2013 at the age of 65.

This tachi offers the opportunity to appreciate his craftsmanship through a work in which proportion, forging and a restrained hamon come together with exceptional harmony.

Signature and Date

相模国住人弘邦造
Sagami Kuni Junin Hirokuni Tsukuru
“Made by Hirokuni, resident of Sagami province.”

平成二年新春
Heisei Ni Nen Shinshun
“New Year, Heisei 2” 1990.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certification

The sword is accompanied by an NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken certificate, dated 4 December 2024, bearing certificate number 1023499.

The certificate records the signature and date inscription and identifies the smith as Hiroki Hirokuni.

Specifications

Detail

Specification

Sword type

Tachi

Swordsmith

Hiroki Hirokuni 廣木弘邦

Date

New Year, 1990 Heisei 2

Province in signature

Sagami

Nagasa blade length 67.1 cm

Sori curvature 2.2 cm

Motohaba width at base 3.03 cm

Sakihaba width towards tip 1.95 cm

Kasane thickness 0.66 cm

Blade weight 635 g

Mekugi-ana One

Jigane

Finely forged ko-itame hada

Hamon

Suguha with gentle ashi

Horimono

Bō-hi on both sides

Habaki

Single-piece, gold-foiled habaki

Mounting

Shirasaya

Certification

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken

Certificate date

4 December 2024

Certificate number

1023499

A Refined Addition to a Nihontō Collection

For the collector drawn to graceful form and subtle workmanship, this Hirokuni tachi offers lasting interest. Its deep curvature gives it an unmistakable presence, while the fine ko-itame hada and elegant suguha invite repeated, thoughtful study.

Presented in shirasaya and accompanied by Tokubetsu Hozon certification, it is a beautiful expression of the continuing Japanese swordmaking tradition.

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