AS24284 Tanto:Mumei (Jumyo)(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Tanto: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (Jumyo)
無銘(寿命)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku among Mumei (Jumyo) blades.
Habaki: Silver foiled single Habaki.
Blade Length: 9 sun 2 bu 0 rin – 27.9 cm (10.98 in)
Curvature: 1 bu 1 rin – 0.33 cm (0.13 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.50 cm (0.98 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.56 cm (0.22 in)
Sword Weight: 180 grams
Era: Late Muromachi period
Shape: A tanto with relatively wide mihaba and slightly deep curvature.
Jigane: Itame hada mixed with mokume hada, with visible utsuri.
Hamon: Nioi-deki with round-headed gunome-midare extending from the hamachi to the kissaki. The boshi is rounded and turns back.

Features:　This tanto has been authenticated as Mumei (Jumyo) by the Japanese Sword Museum.
Jumyo was a swordsmith from Mino, said to be the great-grandchild of Gaitō.
The first generation is believed to have lived during the late Kamakura period, originally from Yamato Province, later relocating to Mino.
Several generations followed until around the Tenshō era of the Muromachi period.
Their style reflects the influence of both Yamato and Mino traditions.
Most extant works are from the Shinto period and later.
Due to the auspicious name “Jumyo” (meaning longevity), these swords were often gifted on celebratory occasions.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: High-relief carving of waves in silver.
Fuchikashira: High-relief carving of waves in silver.
Saya: Black lacquered scabbard with kojiri carved in silver with a wave motif.
Menuki: High-relief carving of a rounded dragon.
Kaerizuno: Design of waves crashing on rocky shores.
Kozuka: High-relief carving of waves in silver.
Kogai: High-relief carving of waves in silver.
Kurigata: High-relief carving of waves in silver.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　This is a beautifully made koshirae, unified with a wave motif.
The tanto is from the late Muromachi period and comes in an excellent koshirae.

NBTHK Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art Estimation Paper with Whole Oshigata