AS25564 Wakizashi: Mumei (Sekishu Dewa Sadatsuna) (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25564

Wakizashi: in Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (Sekishu Dewa Sadatsuna)
無銘(石州出羽貞綱)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the unsigned swords attributed to Sekishu Dewa Sadatsuna.
Habaki: Single silver
Blade Length: 54.0 cm (21.26 in)
Curvature: 0.4 cm (0.16 in)
Mekugi Hole: 3
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.42 cm (0.95 in)
Width at Yokote (Sakihaba): 1.66 cm (0.65 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.51 cm (0.20 in)
Sword Weight: 405 g
Shape:The blade has a slightly narrow width and thickness, a round mune, shallow curvature, and an extended kissaki.
Jigane:Itame-hada mixed with mokume-hada, with a clearly visible grain pattern.
Hamon:A roundish gunome-midare pattern with kinsuji and sunagashi inside the ha.
The jigane of the shinogi-ji combines itame, mokume, and even masame.
The boshi is midare-komi.

Features:　At first glance, this wakizashi appears to be from the Shinto period, but on closer inspection, it displays characteristics of a Koto blade.
Although it may also be interpreted as a work by Naotsuna, the NBTHK has appraised it as a work by Sekishu Dewa Sadatsuna of the Nanbokucho period.
It is a piece that remains captivating no matter how long you observe it.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　This sword is a healthy and splendid example that conveys the age and dignity of its era.
The quality of the jigane and the complexity of the hamon are especially remarkable.
The jigane of the shinogi-ji is particularly representative of Koto craftsmanship.
The hamon near the kissaki is irregular and complex, adding further appeal.
Please preserve it with great care for generations to come.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata