* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Motochika
基近
Description
Lineage
Motochika was a Bizen swordsmith of the Ko-Bizen school, active in the mid-Kamakura period. He is said to have used the religious name Hokke Tarō.
Style
His tachi show a deep koshizori curvature and a powerful stance, with an inoshishikubi (boar's-neck) shaped kissaki. The hamon is suguha or small midare mixed with small gunome, and the steel is noted for fine activity with a rising chōji-utsuri.
Notable Work
A tachi signed "Motochika-tsukuru" survives and is designated an Important Art Object. It is said to have once belonged to Ashikaga Yoshiteru, the 13th Muromachi shogun, and is now held by the Touken World Foundation.
Assessment
Few works by Motochika survive today, but the quality of this designated tachi is regarded as a valuable example transmitting the craftsmanship of the Ko-Bizen smiths of the mid-Kamakura period.
Famous Works
- 太刀 銘「基近造」（重要美術品・足利義輝旧蔵）