AS25181 Tachi: Mumei (attributed to Hoju) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Consignment Sale)

Tachi in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Hoju, 宝寿)

Sayagaki:Mutsu no Kuni Hoju
Nagasa: 2 shaku 5 sun 8 bu
Era: Genryaku (1184–1185), ubu nakago, unsigned
Price: 1500 kan
Dated: December, Showa 12 (1937), written by Hon’ami Koson (with kaō)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku (Upper-Upper Grade) for an unsigned Hoju.

Habaki: Gold-plated single habaki
Blade Length: 78.1 cm (30.75 in)
Curvature: 1.3 cm (0.51 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.06 cm (1.20 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.97 cm (0.78 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.74 cm (0.29 in)
Sword Weight: 915 g
Era: the early to the mid Kamakura period
Shape: slightly wide and thick blade with deep curveture.
Jigane: Itame mixed and flowing masame with Utsuri and Chikei.
Hamon: Soft Nioikuchi Suguha with Ashi and much Sunagashi and Kinsuji. Boshi is softly midare and Hakikake with Kinsuji.

Features: In the late Heian period, a group of swordsmiths known as the Mōgusa school was active in Mutsu under the prosperity of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan.
Hōju was one of these smiths and is said to have continued his work over several generations until the Muromachi period.

From Aoi-Art: This piece presents a complex appearance in both the jigane and hamon, evoking a strong sense of antiquity, making it highly captivating.
It is interesting to note what appears to be traces of an attempted cut on the tang.
The absence of a bōhi allows for full appreciation of the shinogiji, which is a desirable feature.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata