AS25206 Katana :Mumei (Katayama Ichimonji)(The 53rd NBTHK Juyo Token)

Katana in Shirasaya (The 53rd NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Mumei (Katayama Ichimonji)
無銘(片山一文字)

Sayagaki: Written by Mr. Tanobe.
Designated as Juyo Token at the 53rd NBTHK Shinsa.
Bizen Koku Katayama Ichimonji.
This is a large ō-suriage mumei blade with a powerful and imposing shape, showing exquisite forging and a splendid chōji-midare hamon.
The midare-utsuri appears vividly, and the work is remarkable.
Among the Ichimonji branches, this blade stands out especially for the clarity of its jigane.
Indeed, within the classification, this piece can be regarded as an outstanding example.
Highly rare and precious.
Blade Length: 2 shaku 4 sun 1 bu
Appraised by Tanzan.

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This blade, attributed to Katayama Ichimonji (Mumei), is ranked as Saijyo Saku (Highest Grade Work).
Habaki: Double gold foil
Blade Length: 72.9 cm (28.70 in)
Curvature: 1.67 cm (0.66 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.22 cm (1.27 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.39 cm (0.94 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.76 cm (0.30 in)
Sword Weight: 840 g
Era: Around Kencho era, Kamakura period (circa 1249)
Shape: Ō-suriage mumei with wide mihaba, carved with bohi on both sides, deep curvature, and an extended boshi.
A magnificent and robust blade.
Jigane: Fine ko-itame hada, densely forged and of excellent quality, with utsuri appearing clearly.
Hamon: Near the hamachi, a deep nioiguchi chōji-midare with active ashi.
At a glance, it resembles a Fukuoka Ichimonji blade.
Boshi shows midare-komi and turns back in a small circle.

Features:　Katayama Ichimonji is a lineage that prospered after Norifusa of the Fukuoka Ichimonji school relocated to a place called Katayama.
This work features a brilliantly flamboyant hamon, with a refined jigane and vividly prominent midare-utsuri, showcasing outstanding craftsmanship.
As noted by Professor Tanobe in the sayagaki, this piece can be considered top-tier even among the best attributions to Katayama Ichimonji.
Its wide mihaba and large kissaki give it a dignified and powerful appearance, making it an exceptionally attractive sword.

The 53rd NBTHK Juyo Token
Aoi Art estimation paper with whole oshigata