AS24575 Wakizashi: Mumei (attributed to Soshu Hirotsugu) (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Wakizashi: In Shirasaya, with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Soshu Hirotsugu)
無銘(相州広次)

Sue-Koto: Jyo Saku: Sagami
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among works attributed to Mumei (Soshu Hirotsugu).
Habaki: Double-layered gold-plated habaki
Blade Length: 33.8 cm (13.31 in)
Curvature: 0.8 cm (0.31 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.12 cm (1.23 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.48 cm (0.19 in)
Sword Weight: 20 g
Era: Muromachi period, around Bunmei era, 1469 (555 years ago)
Shape: The blade is wide, has mitsumune, a moderate curvature, and the nakago has a tanago-bara shape similar to that of Muramasa.
Jigane: The ko-itame hada is well-forged, with visible grain and prominent chikei and hada.
Hamon: A nioi-based gunome-midare pattern in a hitatsura style.

Features: Although unsigned, this blade has been attributed to Soshu Hirotsugu. It is slightly longer than usual with a gentle curvature, features mitsumune, and has a well-balanced shape. The hamon is in hitatsura style.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Hami-dashi style tsuba with a carved and gold-inlaid dragon motif.
Menuki: Carved and gold-inlaid dragon motif.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanako-ji base with a carved and gold-inlaid cloud and dragon design.
Saya (Scabbard): Sen-dan and inro-style carved saya with decorative lacquer finish.
Kozuka and small knife: Shakudo nanako-ji base with a carved and gold-inlaid ken-maki-ryu (sword-wrapping dragon) motif.

Aoi Art’s Comment: The blade has a thin kasane and mitsumune, which were typical features of Soshu-style tanto popular during the Bunmei era. It is likely a mukugitae (forged from solid steel) work.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata