AS24844 Katana: Mumei(Unsigned)(Ko-kyomono)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Token)(Consignment Sale)

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Token)

Inscription: Mumei(Unsigned)(Ko-kyomono)
無銘(古京物)

We divide works in to Saijo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku,and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Mumei(Ko-kyomono).

Sayagaki: written by Tanobe Tanzan
Joshu Ko-Kyomono
This piece is Ubunakago Mumei.
Considering the graceful form, the antique-looking shape of the Nakago, and the neat and beautiful Jigane and Hamon,　 it is reasonable to conclude that the sword was made by a Kyoto smith by the early Kamakura period.

Habaki: Gold Foil Single Layer
Blade Length: 2 shaku 4 sun 8 bu (75.2 cm / 29.61 in)
Curvature: 6 bu (1.2 cm / 0.47 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.74 cm (1.08 in)
Width at Tip: 1.54 cm (0.61 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.53 cm (0.21 in)
Sword Weight: 525g

Era: the late Heian to the early Kamakura Period.
Shape: Ubunakago, slightly thin and long blade with deep curveture and small Kissaki. The tip of Kissaki seems to be slightly crushed.
Jigane: visible Ko-itame and Mokume with Jinie.
Hamon: Ko-nie base Suguha with Ashi, Yo and Kinsuji.
Features:”Ko(old)-kyomono” refers to old works produced in Kyoto from the late Heian to early Kamakura period. Yamashiro swordsmiths include Sanjo, Gojo, and Awataguchi, and works that cannot be identified with a school are appraised as Ko-Kyomono.

From Aoi-Art: This work is an extremely valuable piece that has retained its original tang, and it is deeply moving to consider that it has preserved its elegant form for approximately 800 years since the era when the Taira and Minamoto clans wielded power. As a note, the tip of the Kissaki appears to be bent, although this is not very noticeable in the photo. It seems to be possible to be repaired by polishing, but this is a very valuable old sword, it is not always advisable to polish it.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
Aoi-Art estimation Paper
whole Oshigata