AS25712. Katana： Mumei(Unsigned) (Den Iwato Ichimonji).(65th Juyo Token)

Ordering Number: AS25712.

Katana in Shirasaya, with Koshirae (65th Juyo Token).

Signature: Mumei(Unsigned) (Den Iwato Ichimonji).
無銘(伝　岩戸一文字)

Sayagaki by Mr. Tanobe:
Bizen no Kuni Iwato Ichimonji, greatly suriage and unsigned.
The jigane is an excellent tightly forged itame-hada accompanied by faint utsuri.
The hamon is composed of restrained ko-choji mixed with ko-gunome, with active ashi, nioi-based with fine ko-nie and a bright appearance.
The boshi turns back in a rounded manner, and the nioiguchi is excellently controlled.
This is an outstanding work attributed to the Ichimonji school.
Among this group, Yoshiie and Yoshiuji are representative smiths, with dated works known from the Gentoku and Genkyo eras.
Blade length: 2 shaku 3 sun 3 bu.
Written and appraised by Tanzan in late January, Reiwa 5 (2023).

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This sword ranks as Saijyo Saku for Mumei(Unsigned) (Den Iwato Ichimonji).
Habaki: Gold-plated single habaki.
Blade Length: 70.8 cm (27.87 in).
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in).
Mekugi Hole: 2.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.97 cm (1.17 in).
Width at Yokote (Sakihaba): 1.86 cm (0.73 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.62 cm (0.24 in).
Sword Weight: 730 grams.
Era: Kamakura period, around Gentoku era (1329) (696 years ago).
Shape: Greatly suriage and unsigned katana with standard width and defined shinogi-ji.
Jigane: Fine ko-itame hada with visible utsuri.
Hamon: Nioi-deki gunome-midare with active hataraki, and kinsuji can clearly be seen. The boshi turns back in a rounded manner.

Features: There are several Ichimonji groups including Fukuoka, Yoshioka, Katayama, and Iwato Ichimonji.
This work of Iwato Ichimonji displays beautiful jigane, well-arranged gunome-midare with active yo, and a calmly rounded boshi, expressing the refined and gentle characteristics of the Ichimonji tradition.

Koshirae: Tachi Koshirae.
Tsuba: Circular shakudo tsuba with fukurin rim.
Fuchikashira and other fittings: Plain polished copper.
Menuki: None.
Saya (Scabbard): Black roiro lacquered saya with carved design.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This is a calm and elegant work of Iwato Ichimonji accompanied by a tachi koshirae.
It has been designated as Juyo Token at the 65th NBTHK Juyo Token session.
This piece passed a very strict examination process to achieve Juyo status.

Historical Background: “Gentoku” mainly has two meanings: one refers to the era name in the late Kamakura period (1329-1331), and the other refers to the most fundamental virtues among many virtues, such as the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice, or the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. The intended meaning depends on the context.

65th Juyo Token.
AoiArt estimation paper.
Whole Oshigata.

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