AS25183 Katana:(Gold-inlaid signature) Rai Kunizane Appraisal by Honami (Kao) (Koson)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: (Gold-inlaid signature) Rai Kunizane
Appraisal by Honami (Kao) (Koson)
(金粉銘)来國真
本阿(花押)(光遜)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku.
Polished.
Habaki: Gold-covered double habaki.
Blade Length: 67.8 cm (26.69 in)
Curvature: 1.9 cm (0.75 in)
Mekugi Holes: 3
Width at Base: 2.94 cm (1.16 in)
Width at Tip: 2.0 cm (0.79 in)
Thickness: 0.47 cm (0.19 in)
Sword Weight: 615 grams
Era: Late Kamakura period, Showa era (1312)
Shape: This is an o-suriage mumei sword, with a standard width, deep curvature, and an extended tip, showcasing an elegant shape.
Jigane: Well-packed ko-mokume hada mixed with ko-itame.
Hamon: Made with ko-nie, forming a straight suguha with nijuba (double line), and well-formed ashi (feet). The boshi sweeps back (saka-gakari).

Features:　This blade was appraised by Honami Koson as the work of Rai Kunizane, with the attribution inscribed in gold powder (kinpun mei) on the nakago. The same conclusion was reached by the Japanese Sword Museum’s appraisal. The previous owner took great care to preserve this blade, especially protecting the gold inscription on the nakago by ensuring the mekugi holes were carefully utilized to prevent any damage. This is the first time I have seen such meticulous preservation, and I was deeply impressed. It truly highlights the importance of preserving Yamashiro blades.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: High-relief openwork depicting fish, lions, and dragons, with gold inlay around the lion, and a gold border. Signed “Edo-jyu ShigeYuki.”
Fuchi-Kashira: High-relief carvings of dragons on a red copper nanakoji base, with gold inlay. Signed “Korei.”
Kozuka: Depicts a dragon swallowing a sword, intricately carved on red copper with gold inlay.
Kogai: Features a high-relief dragon on a red copper nanakoji base, with gold inlay.
Saya: Decorated with vibrant depictions of Fujin (Wind God) and Raijin (Thunder God) on black lacquer.
Menuki: Dragon motif, carved in red copper.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This is a gold-inscribed Rai Kunizane blade, appraised by Honami Kozon and recently reconfirmed by the Japanese Sword Museum. The koshirae, adorned with the striking depictions of Fujin and Raijin, is exceptional, and the craftsmanship of the accompanying fittings is equally superb. This is a highly recommended Rai Kunitsugu sword with impressive koshirae.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Full-length Oshigata