Naginata-naoshi Wakizashi:Mumei (Unsigned) (Den Unju)(27th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Ordering Number: AS26312

Naginata-naoshi Wakizashi in Shirasaya, with Koshirae (27th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Mumei (Unsigned) (Den Unju)
無銘(伝雲重)

Chukoto: Nanbokucho period: Ryo-Wazamono: Jo-saku: Bizen.
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This blade is ranked as Saijyo Saku among works attributed to Mumei (Den Unju).
Habaki: Double-layer gold-covered habaki.
Blade Length: 60.0 cm (23.62 in).
Curvature: 0.8 cm (0.31 in).
Mekugi Hole: 2.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.89 cm (1.14 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.75 cm (0.30 in).
Sword Weight: 591 g.
Era: Nanbokucho period, around the Joji era (1362-1368).
Shape: A relatively short blade reshaped from a naginata into a wakizashi.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with a tightly compacted grain and prominent utsuri, producing an excellent steel surface.
Hamon: Nioi-deki with a soft, deep suguha and highly active ashi.
The boshi becomes deeply irregular toward the tip.
An outstanding hamon.

Features: The swordsmiths Kumou, Kumotsugu, and Kumoshige were active in Ukan-go, Bizen Province, from the late Kamakura period through the Nanbokucho period, tracing their lineage to Kumou.
Because the place name is also written as Ukai, the school is referred to as both the Ukan School and the Ukai School.
Since the names of these smiths all begin with the character Kumo (“cloud”), they are also collectively known as the Kumo-rui (“Cloud School”).

This blade displays a finely forged ko-itame hada mixed with mokume, accompanied by vivid utsuri and long, active ashi.
The steel has a remarkably soft and refined appearance.
The accompanying koshirae is also of excellent quality, making this a work that can be highly recommended.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Mokko-shaped shakudo tsuba carved with animals and food motifs, highlighted with gold and copper iroe.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo ground carved with plants and crabs, decorated with gold and copper iroe.
Saya (Scabbard): Black ishimeji lacquered saya with an inro-style carved waist.
Kojiri: Shibuichi ground carved with chrysanthemums and butterflies.
Menuki: Waves and a waterwheel carved and highlighted with gold iroe.

Historical Background: In 1336, the Kenmu Restoration collapsed, and Ashikaga Takauji established the Northern Court by enthroning Emperor Komyo in Kyoto.
Emperor Go-Daigo fled to Yoshino, where he established the Southern Court, marking the beginning of the Nanbokucho period, which lasted for approximately 60 years.
The conflict arose from samurai dissatisfaction with Emperor Go-Daigo’s Kenmu Restoration and the imperial succession dispute between the Daikakuji and Jimyoin lines of the Imperial Family.
While Ashikaga Takauji established a new government in Kyoto, Emperor Go-Daigo maintained a rival court in Yoshino, resulting in a prolonged period of civil war.

27th NBTHK Juyo Token.
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata

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