AS22278 Katana:Mumei (judged as Naoe Shizu) 無銘(直江志津)

Ordering number: AS22278
Katana in Shirasaya(NBTHK the 18th Juyo Token)

Signature :Mumei (judged as Naoe Shizu)
無銘(直江志津)

(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 failed single Hbaki.
The blade was polished by excellent polish was done.
Blade length :70.3 cm or 27.67inches.
Sori : 1.6cm or 0.62inches.
Mekugi : 3
Width at the hamachi : 3.25cm or 1.27inches.
Width at the Kissaki : 2.53cm or 0.99inches.
Kasane : 0.72 cm or 0.28inches.
The weight of the sword 765 grams
Era : Around the early Nambokucho period.
Shape : Osuriage Mumei. The blade is broad and thick with deep Sori and longer
Kissaki. There is Bohi on the both sides(Kakitoshi).
Jigane : Koitamehada is dense to be beautiful Jigane. Some parts flow becoming Masa. There is light Utsuri.
Hamon : Nioikuchi is deep, shallow Gunomemidare. Very dignified Hamon with lots of Ashi. Boshi is Midarekomi with Hakikake at the tip.

Special feature: This work has extraordinary Jigane and Dr. Kanzan had once judged this
as Shizu. The blade is broad and thick with deep Sori. Well-shaped work with marvelous
Jigane. It is natural that he judged this as Shizu. Gunomemidare with deep Nioikuchi
Hamon and well-polished blade should be great satisfaction for you.

From Aoi Art: Naoe Shizu is students of Kaneuji, who is 1 of Masamune 10 swordsmiths. They worked at Shizu of Mino and moved to Naoe of Mino in Nanbokucho period. So they was called Naoeshizu. Kanetsugu, Kanetomo, Kanenobu are some Naoe swordsmiths. We seldom have their works with Mei, their swords are usually Osuriage-Mumei. This blade is broad with longer Kissaki: well-shaped, and has beautiful Jigane. Moreover it has moderate and elaborate Hamon. This is a dignified sword which we definitely recommend to you.

NBTHK Jyuyo Token #18
Aoi Art estimation paper: whole Oshigata by Ayaka Tsuruta