三条宗近

Sanjō Munechika

Description

Founder of the Sanjō school in Kyoto, active in the late Heian period. Creator of Mikazuki Munechika, one of Japan's Five Greatest Swords (Tenka Goken). His elegant curvature and delicate ko-midare hamon epitomize Heian-era refinement. As the patriarch of the Yamashiro tradition, he shaped the very foundations of Japanese swordmaking. His signed works are extremely rare and all treasured as national-level masterpieces.

Famous Works

• 三日月宗近（国宝・東京国立博物館）