A Blade That Embodies the Logic of the Warrior

Furuyama Mutsu no Suke Hiromoto

Late Edo period

This blade was forged in August of Tenpō 15 (1844), during the late Edo period.

Nagasa (blade length): 71.2 cm.

Both the smith and the exact date of manufacture are clearly identified, which already places this sword in a reliable and desirable category.

It is further accompanied by an authentic Edo-period koshirae (mountings), making this a highly complete and well-preserved example.

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About the Swordsmith

This sword is a mature work by Furuyama Mutsu no Suke Hiromoto, a swordsmith officially employed by the Nihonmatsu Domain.

Hiromoto was born in 1778 as the youngest son of a domain gunsmith.

After beginning his training in Sendai, he later moved to Edo and became a disciple of Suishinshi Masahide, one of the most influential swordsmiths of the time. Masahide was famous not only for his skill, but also for his logical, theory-based approach to swordmaking.

Under this influence, Hiromoto developed a forging style that balanced theory, practicality, and real combat use. His reputation spread among feudal lords, and he received many commissions.

In 1821, he was granted the honorary title Mutsu no Suke and continued forging swords as an official domain smith, always prioritizing function over decoration.

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Blade Characteristics

With a blade length of 71.2 cm, this sword has a strong and dignified presence, even among late Edo-period blades.

When held in kamae (a ready stance), the balance feels stable and reassuring. This is not just a sword meant to be admired on a stand—it is clearly designed with actual cutting performance in mind.

The surface of the steel, known as the jihada, is itame-hada (a wood-grain pattern).

This indicates careful and repeated folding of the steel. The grain is tight and refined, without roughness, showing the high precision of the forging.

The temper line (hamon) is gunome-midare, a wave-like pattern.

Within the blade, subtle activities such as ashi (legs reaching into the edge), tobiyaki (small isolated hardened spots), and yō can be seen. These are signs of advanced craftsmanship. Importantly, they appear naturally and without excess, reflecting confidence rather than showmanship.

The tip (bōshi) shows a flame-like shape on the front side and a small rounded turn on the reverse side. This contrast between dynamic and calm expressions is typical of a sword made in the smith’s mature years.

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Koshirae (Mountings)

The koshirae dates from the Edo period, matching the blade well in both age and atmosphere.

• The saya (scabbard) features aogai maki-dashi, a technique using crushed blue shell. It is elegant but restrained, offering depth rather than flash.

• The tsuba (guard) is a simple round iron plate with utility-focused openings, emphasizing practicality.

• The fuchi-kashira depict a kachimushi (dragonfly), a traditional warrior symbol representing forward movement and victory, as dragonflies never fly backward.

• The menuki are made of shakudō with high-relief chrysanthemum designs and gold accents, subtly elevating the dignity of the entire mounting.

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Overall Impression

The smith, period, workmanship, and koshirae all align harmoniously.

This creates a sword that feels trustworthy and complete, even to those new to Japanese swords.

It is not a blade that impresses at first glance with flamboyance.

Instead, the more you hold it, take a stance, and observe the details within the steel, the deeper your appreciation becomes.

This is a sword that embodies the quiet strength and rational design characteristic of the late Edo period.