{"id":104844,"date":"2025-01-15T22:34:40","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T03:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/?p=104844"},"modified":"2025-01-15T22:34:42","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T03:34:42","slug":"mune-parts-and-types","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/mune-parts-and-types\/","title":{"rendered":"Mune: Parts and Types of the Katana\u2019s Back Surface"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p>Table of Contents<\/p><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#anatomy-of-a-mune-and-related-terminologies\">Anatomy and Related Terminologies<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#types-of-mune-and-their-attribution\">Types and Their Attribution<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#examining-additional-mune-features-in-sword-appraisal\">Additional Features in Sword Appraisal<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>mune<\/strong>, or unsharpened back surface of a Japanese sword, is a subtle yet crucial feature of the blade.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It ensures the sword slides smoothly in and out of the scabbard, protecting its polished surface from scratches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond its practical role, the mune holds historical significance. Its unique shape and design reflect the techniques of specific swordsmiths and schools, offering valuable clues about the blade\u2019s origins and the time period in which it was crafted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"anatomy-of-a-mune-and-related-terminologies\">Anatomy of a <em>Mune<\/em> and Related Terminologies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"96\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-tanto-blade-featuring-the-mune-from-the-beginning-of-the-tang-to-the-point-area.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104884 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-tanto-blade-featuring-the-mune-from-the-beginning-of-the-tang-to-the-point-area.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-tanto-blade-featuring-the-mune-from-the-beginning-of-the-tang-to-the-point-area-740x79.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/96;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tanto blade featuring the mune, from the beginning of the tang to the point area &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Mune<\/em> (\u68df)<\/strong> \u2013 The unsharpened back edge or surface of the blade, opposite the cutting edge, extending from the top of the tang (<em>nakago<\/em>) <a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/examining-kissaki\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/examining-kissaki\/\">to the point area (<em>kissaki<\/em>)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"609\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Nakago-Parts-and-Features.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104898 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 400px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 400\/609;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Various parts of the tang, including the munemachi &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Munemachi<\/em> (\u68df\u533a)<\/strong> \u2013 The notch at the top of the tang (<em><a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/nakago\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/nakago\/\">nakago<\/a><\/em>) where the back (<em>mune<\/em>) surface begins, dividing the blade proper from the tang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"324\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/The-munesaki-portion-of-the-mune-at-the-tip.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104885 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/The-munesaki-portion-of-the-mune-at-the-tip.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/The-munesaki-portion-of-the-mune-at-the-tip-740x266.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/324;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The munesaki portion of the mune at the tip &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Munesaki<\/em> (\u68df\u5148)<\/strong> \u2013 The area of the <em>mune<\/em> towards the tip. Also called <em>matsubasaki<\/em>, meaning <em>pine-needle tip<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"213\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-blade-featuring-the-tang-especially-the-ridge-line-on-the-back-surface.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104886 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-blade-featuring-the-tang-especially-the-ridge-line-on-the-back-surface.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-blade-featuring-the-tang-especially-the-ridge-line-on-the-back-surface-740x175.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/213;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A blade featuring the tang, especially the ridge line on the back surface &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Munesuji<\/em> (\u68df\u7b4b)<\/strong> \u2013 The ridge line on the <em>mune<\/em>, e.g. the center ridge line of a two-sided <em>mune<\/em> (<em>iori-mune<\/em>) or the two ridge lines of a three-sided <em>mune<\/em> (<em>mitsu-mune<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Oroshi<\/em> (\u304a\u308d\u3057\u30fb\u5378)<\/strong> \u2013 The lateral surfaces of the <em>mune<\/em>. It refers to the slope from the top ridge to the edge of the <em>mune<\/em>. The slope of the <em>mune<\/em> can be described as <em>gentle<\/em> or <em>steep<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Kasane<\/em> (\u91cd\u306d)<\/strong> \u2013 Thickness of the <em>mune<\/em>, described as thin or thick. It is measured at where the <em>oroshi<\/em> meets the <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>\u2014the flat surface of the blade between the <em>mune<\/em> and the <em>shinogi<\/em> (ridge line).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"227\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Featuring-the-tempered-areas-on-the-mune.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104888 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Featuring-the-tempered-areas-on-the-mune.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Featuring-the-tempered-areas-on-the-mune-740x187.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/227;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Featuring the tempered areas on the mune &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Muneyaki<\/em> (\u68df\u713c\u304d)<\/strong> \u2013 The hardened regions along the back of a blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types-of-mune-and-their-attribution\">Types of <em>Mune<\/em> and Their Attribution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>mune<\/em>, also known as the back edge or back ridge of the blade, has a wide variety of shapes that can be examined by rotating the blade to view it from different angles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <em>Kaku Mune<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"176\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kaku-Mune.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104889 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kaku-Mune.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kaku-Mune-740x145.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/176;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>An ancient blade featuring a flat back surface &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>kaku-mune<\/em> (\u89d2\u68df) is a squared-off and flat back surface typically found in ancient blades. It is sometimes referred to as <em>hira-mune<\/em> or <em>hako-mune<\/em>, which literally means <em>flat mune<\/em> and <em>box-shaped mune<\/em>, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking school:<\/strong> Although rare, <em>kaku-mune<\/em> can be seen in some short and thick Sue-Bizen <em>tanto<\/em> blades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <em>Iori Mune<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"368\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Iori-Mune-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104890 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Iori-Mune-1.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Iori-Mune-1-740x303.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/368;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A katana sword featuring the back surface of the blade with two facets &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Also called as <em>gyo no mune<\/em>, an <em>iori-mune<\/em> (\u5eb5\u68df) has two sides that comes to a peak at the top. The Japanese term \u201c<em>iori&#8221; <\/em>literally means <em>ridge-line of a roof<\/em>, a reference to its roof-like shape along the back surface of the blade. The two-sided <em>mune<\/em> is the most common type, and it became particularly popular after the Koto era.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"538\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Iori-Mune-2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104891 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 538px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 538\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tachi blade featuring the back finished with two facets, viewed from the sides &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools: <\/strong>An <em>iori-mune <\/em>is a feature commonly found in blades produced by the Yamato school (Nara prefecture) and its related schools, as well as<a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2013\/09\/29\/the-swords-of-the-tokugawa-shitenno\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> in blades from the Bizen school<\/a> (Okayama prefecture) and its related schools. Also, the Shinto swordsmith Hankei is known for incorporating the <em>iori-mune<\/em> in his work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <em>Mitsu Mune<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"381\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mitsu-Mune.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104892 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mitsu-Mune.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mitsu-Mune-740x313.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/381;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tanto blade finished with three facets, viewed from above &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Also called <em>shin no mune<\/em>, a <em>mitsu-mune<\/em> (\u4e09\u30c3\u68df) has three surfaces and is less common than the two-sided <em>iori-mune<\/em>. Therefore, the back surface of the sword has the shape of half a hexagon. It may also feature a narrow or wide top surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools:<\/strong> The <em>mitsu-mune<\/em> is a distinctive feature frequently utilized by Soshu masters, including prominent figures such as Masamune and Sadamune. Typically, Soshu-mono masters applied a wide top surface, while Sue-Soshu swordsmiths tended to employ a narrower top surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"183\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mitsu-Mune-2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104893 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mitsu-Mune-2.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mitsu-Mune-2-740x150.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/183;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tanto blade featuring its back surface with three facets, viewed from sides &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>mitsu-mune<\/em> can also be found in later blade reproductions inspired by the Soshu tradition. In Shinto-era blades, this characteristic is prevalent in the works of swordsmiths like Umetada My\u00f4ju and schools such as Horikawa and Echizen Yasutsugu. Additionally, it appears on <em>tanto<\/em> blades crafted by the Yamashiro swordsmiths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4.<em> Maru Mune<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"377\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Maru-Mune.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104894 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Maru-Mune.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Maru-Mune-740x310.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/377;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A katana blade featuring a rounded back surface, viewed from the sides &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>maru-mune<\/em> (\u4e38\u68df) is characterized by a round back surface without corners. This feature was common in ancient swords and occasionally employed by certain swordsmiths and schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools: <\/strong>The <em>maru-mune<\/em> is a feature often seen on<a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2017\/07\/07\/kantei-4-yamashiro-30-hasebe-%E9%95%B7%E8%B0%B7%E9%83%A8-school-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Hasebe blades of the Yamashiro tradition<\/a>. Several other schools, including Nobukuni, Heianjo, Fuyuhiro, Mogusa, and Ko-Bizen schools also employed the <em>maru-mune<\/em> in their blades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Swordsmiths such as Kaga Shiro Sukemasa, Osafune Nagamitsu, and Sukezane were known to incorporate this feature in their works. Additionally, it can be found in blades crafted by schools like Aoe, Mihara, and Naminohira.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"examining-additional-mune-features-in-sword-appraisal\">Examining Additional <em>Mune<\/em> Features in Sword Appraisal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Japanese sword appraisal, the blade is examined to determine its age, swordsmith, and swordmaking school. The <em>mune<\/em> is examined after determining the blade\u2019s length, curvature, taper, and the tip. In addition to the shape or type of the back surface, other aspects such as the steepness of its lateral areas (<em>oroshi<\/em>) and the thickness of the <em>mune<\/em> (<em>kasane<\/em>) are examined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Oroshi<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>oroshi<\/em> or slope, is used to indicate how high the ridge is or how steep the lateral areas are as they proceed down the blade, as seen in the case of a two-sided back surface (<em>iori mune<\/em>). The degree of sloping can be described as either <em>gentle<\/em> or <em>steep<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"111\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Oroshi.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104895 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Oroshi.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Oroshi-740x91.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/111;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A wakizashi blade featuring an iori-mune with steep oroshi &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A gentle, shallow, or low <em>oroshi<\/em> describes a <em>mune<\/em> that rises only a small distance above the top of the <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>. On the contrary, a steep or high <em>oroshi<\/em> refers to back surfaces that extend well above the top of the <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"612\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Oroshi-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104896 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Oroshi-2.jpg 612w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Oroshi-2-70x70.jpg 70w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 612px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 612\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tachi blade featuring an iori-mune &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>For instance, in an <em>iori-mune<\/em> (two-sided), the two sides meet at a sharp ridge. A high or steep <em>oroshi<\/em>, or slope, is typical for Yamato-related schools and swordsmith Hankei (\u7e41\u6176). On the contrary, a gentle or low <em>oroshi<\/em> is more typical for Bizen (Okayama prefecture) and its related schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Kasane<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"453\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kasane.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104887 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kasane.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kasane-740x372.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/453;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Featuring the kasane on the cross-section of a blade. The illustration shows how a kasane is measured on Japanese blades &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>kasane<\/em> refers to the thickness of the <em>mune<\/em>, measured at where the lateral surfaces meet the <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>. A <em>kasane<\/em> can be described as <em>thick<\/em> or <em>thin<\/em>. It is also a crucial factor in appraising a sword, as some swordmaking schools are known for producing<a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2017\/08\/25\/kantei-4-yamashiro-31-hasebe-%E9%95%B7%E8%B0%B7%E9%83%A8-school-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> blades with a thin or thick <em>kasane<\/em><\/a> for their length and width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, a <em>kasane<\/em> can help determine if the blade was produced during an earlier period or if it was a later copy. For instance, certain Nanbokucho blade forms are renowned for their very thin <em>kasane<\/em>, but later revival works replicating these blade forms may feature a thicker <em>kasane<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion accordion-sources article-slide \"><div class=\"faq-item accordion__item\"><h5 class=\"faq-item__heading accordion__handler\">Sources Cited<span class=\"faq-item__opener faq-item__opener--dark\"><\/span><\/h5><div class=\"faq-item__content accordion__slide content-area\"><ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kapp, L., Kapp, H., &amp; Yoshihara, Y. (2002). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=c7YeN0F5tn4C&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Modern+Japanese+Swords+and+Swordsmiths:+From+1868+to+the+Present&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjuxIT0pvmKAxXNjq8BHe3fHGUQ6AF6BAgGEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths: From 1868 to the Present<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha International.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nagayama, K. (2017). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=zPyswmGDBFkC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+Connoisseur%27s+Book+of+Japanese+Swords&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOmtP5pvmKAxVrh68BHctjD2UQ6AF6BAgGEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Connoisseur&#8217;s Book of Japanese Swords<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha USA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sat\u014d, K. (1983). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u5200\u5263<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (J. Earle, Trans.). Kodansha International.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2014). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com.ph\/books?id=5w6QBwAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Encyclopedia+of+Japanese+Swords&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwipyOD_pvmKAxXfc_UHHT6vMlwQ6AF6BAgLEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encyclopedia of Japanese Swords<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lulu.com.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2015, February 19). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">KANTEI 1 \u2013 SUGATA #2<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Markus Sesko. Retrieved January 14, 2024, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/02\/19\/kantei-1-sugata-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/02\/19\/kantei-1-sugata-2\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tsuchiko, T. (2002). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=BWy3gx-0PR8C&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E5%88%8021%E4%B8%96%E7%B4%80%E3%81%B8%E3%81%AE%E6%8C%91%E6%88%A6:+The+New+Generation+of+Japanese+Swordsmiths+%E8%8B%B1%E6%96%87%E7%89%88+(K.+Mishina,+Trans.)&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihwZKap_mKAxWHhq8BHZqoJDwQ6AF6BAgFEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u65e5\u672c\u520021\u4e16\u7d00\u3078\u306e\u6311\u6226: The New Generation of Japanese Swordsmiths \u82f1\u6587\u7248<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (K. Mishina, Trans.)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha International.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoshihara, Y. (2012). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=URDQAgAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+Art+of+the+Japanese+Sword.+The+Craft+of+Swordmaking+and+its+Appreciation&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjhxqGnp_mKAxU7Z_UHHavYKr4Q6AF6BAgNEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Art of the Japanese Sword. The Craft of Swordmaking and its Appreciation<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Tuttle Publishing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The mune, or unsharpened back surface of a Japanese sword, is a subtle yet crucial feature of the blade.&nbsp; It ensures the sword slides smoothly in and out of the scabbard, protecting its polished surface from scratches. Beyond its practical role, the mune holds historical significance. Its unique shape and design reflect the techniques of&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":104897,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post","6":"hentry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104844","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104844"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104844\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104899,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104844\/revisions\/104899"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104897"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104844"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104844"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104844"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}