Mikazuki Munechika, National Treasure tachi sword at Tokyo National Museum, Japan
Mikazuki Munechika is a tachi sword with curved blade housed in Room 13 of Tokyo National Museum and part of the Tenka-Goken collection. The 79.9 cm (31.5 in) long weapon displays a finely polished surface with patterns formed during forging through folding of the steel.
Sanjō Munechika forged the sword between 1050 and 1150 in Kyoto during the Heian period. The piece represents the height of early Japanese blade making, which laid the foundation for later schools of sword craftsmanship.
The name refers to crescent moon patterns visible in the steel surface, which resemble a thin moon arc running along the blade. Today the sword serves as a teaching piece for the forging tradition of medieval Japan, where techniques passed from master to apprentice over generations.
The sword is kept under climate-controlled conditions in the Japanese Gallery and displayed behind glass. Visitors can study the blade details from close range but should watch for reflections that may occur from the case.
The sword is displayed publicly only a few weeks per year as it is protected as national cultural property. During the rest of the time it rests in a special case with nitrogen atmosphere to prevent corrosion.
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