AS25619 Katana：Mumei (Unsigned), attributed to Chikakage.(The 41st NBTHK Juyo Token)

Ordering number:AS25619

Katana in Shirasaya (The 41st NBTHK Juyo Token).

Signature: Mumei (Unsigned), attributed to Chikakage.
無銘(近景)　　

Sayagaki: by Tanobe-sensei.
Designated as Juyo Token at the 41st Juyo Token Shinsa.
Greatly suriage and mumei.
He was a disciple of Nagamitsu, and together with Kagemitsu they were fellow disciples.
This work shows itame hada with midare utsuri, and a hamon of suguha-based angular gunome mixed with ko-gunome and ko-choji, forming a somewhat sakasa-gakaru pattern.
At a glance some may find it similar to Kagemitsu, but by focusing on the jigane with ji-nie mixed with chikei and conspicuous hada, as well as the boshi showing a pointed core, it is appropriate to chisel it as the work of the same smith.
This is considered one of the finest works among this smith’s oeuvre, and its period is thought to be around the Kenmu era.
Blade length: 2 shaku 3 sun 1 bu, which is approximately 70.0 cm (27.56 in).
Inscription date: “昔季己辰暦南月 探山識”.

Middle Koto.
Ryo Wazamono.
Jyojyo Saku.
Bizen.
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
The quality of this work is ranked as Saijyo Saku for a mumei (Chikakage) piece.

Habaki: Solid gold, double habaki, 48 grams.
Blade Length: approximately 70.0 cm (27.56 in).
Curvature: 5 bu 0 rin, approximately 1.52 cm (0.60 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.08 cm (1.21 in).
Width at Tip: 2.32 cm (0.91 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.60 cm (0.24 in).
Sword Weight: 720 grams.
Era: Kamakura period, Bunpo era (around 1317).
Shape: Wide mihaba with thick kasane, bo-hi carved on both sides, and a well-balanced shape with a slightly extended kissaki.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, well forged and compact, with utsuri appearing clearly.
Hamon: Sakasa-gunome midare in motion, with the boshi in San-saku style, gently notare and turning back.

Features:
This work has a hamon very similar to that of a Tokubetsu Juyo Token Chikakage that we previously sold, and it possesses both excellent preservation and the dignity of an old sword.
The habaki is solid gold and weighs 48 grams.

Aoi Art’s Comment:
Judging from this hamon, it is not difficult to determine it as Kagemitsu or Chikakage.
From the ha-machi upward, kinsuji are active, expressing the superb quality of the workmanship.
Chikakage was called Saburozaemon and became a disciple of Nagamitsu.
Many of his works date to around the Bunpo era of the Kamakura period.
While similar to Kagemitsu, this piece shows a more flamboyant hamon.
This sword was likely owned by a notable person.
It was registered at the very beginning of sword registration, often referred to as daimyo registration.
I believe this sword has the potential to aim higher.

The 41st NBTHK Juyo Token.
AoiArt estimation paper.
Whole Oshigata

*Overseas shipping fee is not included in the price.