AS24698 Katana: Mumei (attributed to Gyokushinsai Masakage)(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Katana: Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token) (NTHK Appraisal)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Gyokushinsai Masakage 玉心斎正陰)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku.

Habaki: Double gold foil
Blade Length: 64.5 cm (25.39 in)
Curvature: 1.6 cm (0.63 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.23 cm (1.27 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.31 cm (0.91 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.76 cm (0.30 in)
Sword Weight: 740 g

Era: the late Edo period, 17-18th century
Shape: slightly wide blade with small curveture and extended Kissaki
Jigane: Koitame hada with fine grain pattern
Hamon: Nie base soft Gunome midare with Ashi

Features:
Shinto Jyo Saku: Chikuzen
This sword was appraised as Gyokushinsai Masakage by the Token Bijutsukan (The Japanese Sword Museum). However, in my personal opinion, it appears somewhat older.
According to a separate appraisal by the NTHK, it was attributed to Den Nobukuni Yoshikane, the swordsmith of Hizen active in the mid-Edo period.
Gyokushinsai Masakage was a swordsmith active from the end of Edo period to the Meiji era. He studied under Minamoto Masao and Suishinshi Masatsugu.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This piece features a beautifully forged jigane, with a similar grain pattern also visible on the shinogiji. The hamon is gently tempered with a soft appearance along the edge. It is a highly recommended work.

NBTHK Hozon Certificate
Nihon Token Hozonkai Appraisal
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata i

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