AS24556 Katana: Mumei (Unju)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Copy of NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Paper)(Origami)

Ordering number:AS24556

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Copy of NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Paper)(Origami)

Signature: Mumei (Unju)
無銘(雲重)

Chūkoto: Ryōwazamono: Jyo Saku: Bizen
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among works attributed to Mumei (Unju).
Habaki: Double-layered gold foil habaki.
Blade Length: 2 shaku 2 sun 1 bu 5 rin (67.1 cm / 26.42 in)
Curvature: 6 bu 5 rin (1.97 cm / 0.78 in)
Mekugi Hole: 3
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.01 cm (1.18 in)
Width at Tip: 2.07 cm (0.81 in)
Thickness: 0.55 cm (0.22 in)
Sword Weight: 615 g
Era: Nanbokucho period, around Jōji era (1362–1368)
Shape: Wide blade with thick kasane, carved with bohi and soehi on both sides.
The curvature is deep, giving the piece a well-balanced appearance.
Jigane: Itame mixed with mokume hada, with clearly visible utsuri.
Hamon: Nie-deki in suguha style with ko-ashi, and the boshi turns back in a large, round shape.

Features: The swordsmiths Unshō, Unji, and Unju were active in the Ukai area of Bizen province from the late Kamakura to Nanbokucho periods.
They are said to have descended from Unshō, the founder.
This school is also referred to as the Ukai-ha or Ugami-ha, depending on the kanji used, and is collectively called the “Un” school due to the common character “雲” (Un) in their names.
Their works differ significantly from typical Bizen swords, often showing characteristics of Yamashiro or Aoe styles, and sometimes with a Yamato influence.
Notably, their jigane tends to show itame and mokume with pronounced utsuri, and their boshi are typically rounded.

Historical Context: During the Kamakura to Nanbokucho period, Japan experienced frequent warfare, leading to the production of many long swords.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Copy of NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Paper
Origami
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata