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A 79 cm Miyairi Kiyohira tachi

Miyairi school

Brother of Yukihira – Mukansa

This is a tachi by Miyairi Kiyohira, he later changed his name to Miyairi Kiyomune. Eizo (given name) was born on 1 May 1924 – death 26 May 2003. His residence was in Nagano prefecture. He first began studying the forging techniques under his elder brother in April 1941. In July 1948 he became independent and on 31 January 1959, he acquired the sword making license. In the Sword Making Competition held annually he has won six third prizes, and 15 first and second prizes. He made sacred swords for the Ise Shrine in 1962 and 1985. Kiyomune focused primarily on Soshu-den with the specific objectives of Kiyomaru, Sadamune and Kaneuji.

Kiyohira (清平), Shōwa, Nagano – „Shinano no Kuni-jū Miyairi Kiyohira“ (信濃国住宮入清平), civilian name: Miyairi Eizō (宮入栄三, younger brother of Miyairi Yukihira (宮入行平), born 1924, he studied from 1939 under his brother, later he changed his name to Kiyomune“ (清宗)

Miyairi School: http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/miyairi.htm

The Miyairi School of today is still quite active and continues to be a major proponent of Soshu-den. Since the death of Yukihira, Miyairi Kiyomune has taken over as head of the school. Since that time the Miyairi school continued to be a leader in sword forging and related processes. It is also interesting to note that other smiths within the school have gone on to achieve considerable success and prestige for the school. Perhaps the most well known of the Miyairi school disciples is Amada Akitsugu. Akitsugu was recently designated as Living National Treasure as a reward for a lifetime of achievement and excellence. As recently as 1996 he won the much coveted Masamune prize. Perhaps slightly less well known is Ozumi Toshihira. He too was recently designated as a Living National Treasure. A number of other disciples have also gone on to achieve mukansa status.

Miyairi disciples are regular recipients of awards as the New Sword Competition. While some smiths are winning prizes there are others that are helping restore lost technology. Miyairi smiths have also played key roles in the restoration of the Tatara process. Moreover, the Miyairi School remains active and continues to train new disciples to carry on the ancient art of swordmaking. His son Norihiro is Mukansa, 1995.

Memorial exhibition website for Kiyohira / Kiyomune

This is a very beautiful long sword by Kiyohira (b 1924 – d. 2003) of the Miyairi School. Dated Show 52nd (1977) year 2nd month Lucky day. Signed Shinano (no) Kuni Ju Miyairi Kiyohira Saku Tachi mei. The hamon is Gunome and choji with ashi, yo, nie & sunagashi… The hada is Koitame with jinie… The Nagasa (cutting edge) 79 cm ~ 31″., Motohaba (width) xx, Sori (Curvature) xx.

Source: http://tetsu.town.sakaki.nagano.jp/yukihira/kiyomune.html

Left: Martial arts master and cutting tester, Mr. Nakayama Hakudo.
Right: swordsmith KANEMICHI .(former swordsmith name was Kanetoki).

This Sword is not available for purchase.

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