AS22320 Katana:Mumei(Nakajima Rai)(The 64th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Ordering number: AS22320
Katana in Shirasaya (The 64th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature :Mumei(Nakajima Rai)
(gold inlay) Owakige Ichito 2 Tsu Do Ryodo.
無銘（中島来）

Sayagaki: 64th NBTHK Juyo Token
Sesshu Nakajima Rai, Osuriage Mumei.
Kuninaga was a student of Rai Kunitoshi. He moved to Settsu Nakajima. For this reason, this is called Nakajima Rai.
This blade is wide and large Kissaki, powerful piece.
Itame Hada grained with Jinie attach.
There are Ashi and Yo.　This is an excellent sword that shows the characteristics of this school.
The blade length is 2 Shaku 3 Sun 2 Bu.
written by Mr. Tanobe.

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo saku, Jyojyo saku Jyo saku and regular saku)
This sword belongs to Saijyo saku ranking.
habaki:gold wrapped single habaki.
The blade was polished.
Blade length : 70.4 cm or 27.71 inches.
Sori :0.9 cm or 0.35 inches.
Mekugi : 3 2holes fill in.
Width at the hamachi : 3.09 cm or 1.21 inches.
Width at the Kissaki : 2.29 cm or 0.90 inches.
Kasane :0.64 cm or 0.25 inches.
The weight of the sword 755 grams
Era : Nanbokucho period.
Shape : O Suriage Mumei, regular width and thickness Katana with small Sori, longer Kissaki. Nice shape sword.
There is a very rare gold inlay cutting test signature in Koto.
Jigane : Ko Itame Hada well grained with Jinie attach. There are Utsuri.
The Jigane is beautiful.
Hamon : Suguha base, large Gunome Midare. There are many Ashi, Yo, Sunagashi, and Kinsuji.
Boshi is round shape.

Special feature:　This Katana is NBTHK Juyo Token designated as Nakajima Rai. The splendid work that retains the appearance of the Nanbokucho period with a slightly shallow Sori and a long Kissaki. Nakajima Rai was originally a disciple of Rai Kunitoshi. The one made in Nakajima Settsu province is called Nakajima Rai. The Jigane is also a work of the Rai school.
The Koitame Hada with faint Utsuri appears. The work is similar to Rai Kunimitsu.

From Aoi Art: The Nakago has a cutting signature that says Owakige Ichidi 2tsu Do Ryodo. As you know, there are few cutting test signature on Koto blades.　In my opinion, cutting test signature began in the Edo period. The Edo period was a peaceful are, and I believe that sales of Japanese swords were depressed. Therefore, it is thought that the sword has been devised by engraving and cutting test signature on the blade. I think that this cutting test signature was engraved after the Edo period. So far, I have only seen about 3 Koto blades with the cutting test signature, so I think it is a very rare piece. We recommend this sword. Mr.Tanobe’s Sayagaki is also very valuable.

The 64th NBTHK Juyo Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: whole Oshigata　by　Ayaka Tsuruta