AS24845 Katana: Mumei(Chiyozuru)(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei(Chiyozuru, 千代鶴)

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo saku, Jyojyo saku, Jyo saku and regular saku)
This Mumei (Chiyozuru) belongs to jyo-jtyo saku ranking.

habaki:gold foiled double habaki.
Blade length: 72.3cm (28.46in)
Sori: 1.7cm (0.67in)
Mekugi : 1
Width at the hamachi: 2.91cm (1.15in)
Width at the Kissaki : 2.03cm (0.80in)
Kasane: 0.74cm (0.29in)

Era: the late Nanbokucho to the early Muromachi period
Shape: Osuriage mumei blade with deep curveture and slightly long kissaki.
Jigane: Itame and Mokume with visible grain pattern and Chikei.
Hamon: Ko-nie deki Suguha with Ashi, Yo, Sunagashi and faint Kinsuji. They are particularly intense around the monouchi area, reminiscent of Rai Kunitsugu. The bōshi turns back in a rounded manner with Yakisage.

Special feature:
Chiyozuru refers to a group of swordsmiths from Echizen, believed to have originated when Rai Kuniyasu relocated to the region. Because of this lineage, they are also known as Echizen Rai. They were active from the Nanbokuchō period to the early Muromachi period, with Morihiro being another notable smith alongside Kuniyasu.
This piece offers an abundance of activity in both the jigane and hamon, making it a highly enjoyable work to appreciate.

Koshira: Toppei style Koshirae
Tsuba: Mokko shaped iron tsuba with a battle scene motif
Fuchikashira: Iron base
Ware Kogai: copper base with wave and rabbit design
Menuki: a picture of Samurai
Saya: Ray sukin

NBTHK Hozon Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper : whole Oshigata