AS24434 Katana: Mumei (Sue-Seki) (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Ordering number: AS24434

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (Sue-Seki)
無銘(末関)

Sayagaki: Attributed to Nagafune of Bizen ▫︎
Era ▫︎▫︎ Blade length: 2 shaku 2 sun 8 bu 5 rin
Mid-spring of the year of Monkey-Tiger in Showa Era
▫︎ Shinko (Kao)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyo Saku among unsigned Sue-Seki works.
Habaki: Single-layered made of plain copper
Blade Length: 69.2 cm (27.24 in)
Curvature: 1.8 cm (0.71 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.8 cm (1.10 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.05 cm (0.81 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.67 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight: 630 g
Era: Muromachi Period – Mid to Late
Shape: With a deep curvature and slightly extended kissaki, the blade shows a well-balanced shape.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, well-forged and beautifully refined.
Hamon: Begins with a gunome-midare from the hamachi and continues to the kissaki.

Features:　Though unsigned, this work has been appraised by the Japanese Sword Museum as Sue-Seki from the ancient Mino school.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Iron tsuba with silver inlay of Kuyō-mon
Menuki: Carved motif of shells with gold accents
Fuchikashira and Kojiri: Iron base with gold and silver inlay of chrysanthemum flowers
Saya (Scabbard): Brown lacquered with a textured stone-like finish

Aoi Art’s Comment:　Sue-Seki blades are known for their excellent cutting ability. This blade features a subdued gunome-midare hamon.

Historical Context:　In the late Muromachi period, the country was divided between the Tokugawa and Toyotomi factions, leading to many conflicts. As a result, the demand for Japanese swords increased and many were produced.

NBTHK Hozon Token
AoiArt estimation paper with whole Oshigata
*Please note: The price does not include shipping fees.