AS25304 Katana: Mumei (Attributed to Kanenori) (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Ordering Number: AS25304

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (Attributed to Kanenori)
無銘(兼則)

Sayagaki:
Seki Kanemoto
Mumei. From the Muromachi period.
Blade length: 2 shaku 3 sun 2 bu.
Written in summer of Showa 53 (1978)
By Dr. Kanzan (with kao)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Mumei (Kanenori).
Habaki: Single-layered silver
Blade Length: 70.8 cm (27.87 in)
Curvature: 1.83 cm (0.72 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.9 cm (1.14 in)
Width at Tip: 1.9 cm (0.75 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.6 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 605 g
Era: Late Muromachi period
Shape: Standard width and thickness.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada.
Hamon: Nie-deki gunome-midare mixed with pointed gunome.
Inside the hamon are kinsuji and sunagashi.
The boshi forms a pointed shape, creating a beautiful hamon.

Features: This blade is considered to be from Seki tradition and has been attributed to Kanenori by the NBTHK.
While the sayagaki by Kanzan-sensei attributes it to Kanemoto,
the NBTHK judgment attributes it to Kanenori.
It is thought to be a work from the mid-Muromachi period.

Historical Background:
During this era, known as the Sengoku period, many swords were produced.
Due to high demand for shorter blades, shorter katanas were favored.
Although this sword currently measures 70.8 cm, it has been shortened,
and an original signature was likely removed in the process.

NBTHK Hozon Token (to be issued soon)
AoiArt estimation paper with Whole Oshigata
Overseas shipping not included