AS25313 Katana: Mumei (attributed to Den Ayakoji) 無銘(伝 綾小路)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu)

Ordering Number: AS25313

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Den Ayakoji)
無銘(伝 綾小路)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This blade is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among works attributed to Den Ayakoji.
Habaki: Double-layered with gold covering
Blade Length: 62.9 cm (24.76 in)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.87 cm (1.13 in)
Width at Tip: 2.011 cm (0.79 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.59 cm (0.23 in)
Sword Weight: 565 g
Era: Mid-Kamakura period, around Bunei era (1264), meaning this piece is approximately 761 years old.
Shape: A well-proportioned blade with standard width and thickness.
Jigane: Itame-hada is well-forged with a clear nioiguchi and visible utsuri.
Hamon: Made with nioi-deki in a varied gunome-midare pattern.
The boshi shows midare-komi.
Inside the blade, kinsuji activity is observed.

Features: The Ayakoji school originated from Sadatoshi and included smiths such as Sadayoshi, who were active during the mid-Kamakura period, around the Hoji era (1247–1249).
They resided in Shijo Ayano-Koji, Kyoto, and the smith was known by the Buddhist name Ryoa Beya.
According to sword reference books, Sadatoshi is generally dated to the Bun’ei era, and one theory suggests that he lived near Rai Kuniyuki, with accounts indicating they may have produced swords on each other’s behalf.

Koshirae:(*Tsuba differs from the one described in the NBTHK certificate.)
Tsuba: Iron tsuba with openwork carving of flowers and jewels.
Menuki: Design of books with colored inlay.
Fuchikashira: Decorated with carved patterns.
Saya (Scabbard): Uniquely crafted saya.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This blade has an antique elegance reminiscent of Awataguchi Kuniyasu.
The Hamon is made up of tightly packed irregular patterns, including small variations with hints of double lines, and a soft appearance along the nioiguchi.
Although general theory places it in the mid-Kamakura period, around the Bun’ei era (1264–1275), the characteristics suggest it may date back earlier, closer to the time of Awataguchi Kuniyasu.
This piece displays Kinsuji in the Hamon, including around the kissaki, giving it a lively and brilliant appearance.
It is a healthy blade with excellent craftsmanship.
The Koshirae is also finely detailed and beautifully made.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata
*Please note: The price does not include shipping fees.

Please note: the price does not include the shipping fees.