Jumonji-Yari (Cross-Shaped Spearhead), signed Heianjō Fujiwara Morikuni (early Edo, ca. 1670–1688)

A cross-bladed spearhead with a long central blade and paired side arms, forged with visible hada (grain) and a tempered edge (hamon) beginning in suguha with lively midare activity. The tang bears a clear seven-character inscription 平安城藤原守国 (Heianjō Fujiwara Morikuni), a Kyoto-associated (Heianjō) signature documented for a smith active in the late 17th century; a certified katana with the same mei is dated 1672, reinforcing this time frame.

The point is elongated and sharply ridged; the cross-arms are cleanly beveled. The head is currently fitted to a modern wooden haft for safe handling and display. Condition is excellent, the polish revealing both grain and temper; the nakago retains an appealing patina with a legible mei.

Details

• Type/Title: Jumonji-yari (十文字槍, cross-shaped spearhead)

• Smith (mei): 平安城藤原守国 (Heianjō Fujiwara Morikuni)

• Period: Early Edo, Kanbun–Jōkyō (ca. 1670–1688)

• Province/School: Heianjō lineage (Kyoto connections; activity also recorded in Settsu)

• Material/Construction: Folded steel; visible hada; hamon with suguha base and midare activity; elongated point; finely beveled cross-arms

• Mounting: Head only; on modern wooden haft for handling/display

• Dimensions: [to be measured — central blade length and side-arm span recommended]

• Condition: Excellent polish; patinated nakago with clear inscription; minor age-consistent patination

• L:35 W:9 D:1 Blade: 8.5"L x 7"W

LS123