AS25144 Katana： Mumei (Ko-Mihara)(38th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Katana in Shirasaya (38th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Mumei (Ko-Mihara)
無銘(古三原)

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.)
This work is ranked as Saijyo Saku among the Mumei (Ko-Mihara) blades.
Habaki: Gold foiled double-layered
Blade Length: 2 shaku 2 sun 9 bu (69.39 cm / 27.31 in)
Curvature: 5 bu (1.52 cm / 0.60 in)
Mekugi Hole: 3
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.34 cm (1.31 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.49 cm (0.98 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.74 cm (0.29 in)
Sword Weight: 795 g
Era: Early Nanbokucho period, around Enbun and Joji era (circa 1345)
Shape:This blade is an O-suriage Mumei with a wide width of 3.34 cm and thick kasane. It has a distinctive curvature on both sides, with an elongated and large kissaki, representing the finest shape for its type.
Jigane:The small itame hada is well-forged, clearly visible, and exhibits excellent polishing techniques. It is a remarkable piece with well-defined hataraki within the blade and features a faint utsuri.
Hamon: Nie-based suguha with fine ashi, leading to a rounded boshi that slightly rises and returns in a small circular form.

Features: The width of the blade remains consistent without losing form towards the tip, demonstrating a magnificent and bold creation. Upon close inspection, the suguha hamon is enhanced with fine ashi, and the faint utsuri is apparent. Such a robust work is rare, even for me. It is a highly recommended piece. Ko-Mihara is a smith group from Hiroshima, with works resembling those of Aoe from the neighboring province. The lineage traces back to Masaiye, considered its founder. Although it may appear similar to Aoe at first glance, the visible grain in the jigane and the active hataraki in the hamon reflect a softer touch, leading to its attribution as Ko-Mihara. In any case, this is considered one of the finest masterpieces of Ko-Mihara, showcasing grand workmanship.

38th NBTHK Juyo Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata