AS25104 Katana: Mumei (attributed to Yamato Shizu) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Koshirae: NBTHK Hozon Tosogu)

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Koshirae: NBTHK Hozon Tosogu)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Yamato Shizu)
無銘(大和志津)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among unsigned swords attributed to Yamato Shizu.
Habaki: Single-layered, silver
Blade Length: 2 shaku 3 sun 0 rin – 69.7 cm (27.44 in)
Curvature: 5 bu – 1.5 cm (0.59 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.8 cm (1.10 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.64 cm (0.65 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.5 cm (0.20 in)
Sword Weight: 625 g
Era: Nanbokucho period
Shape:This blade is suriage (shortened) and unsigned.
The bo-hi (groove) continues down to the tang tip, and the kissaki (point) is slightly extended.
Jigane:The hada (grain) of the jigane is clearly visible, with chikei appearing throughout.
Well-forged with prominent texture.
The boshi shows midare with strong kinsuji.
Hamon:A fine ko-gunome midare with active sunagashi and kinsuji.
The boshi also features delicate sunagashi and kinsuji.

Features: There are two branches of the Shizu school: Yamato Shizu and Naoe Shizu.
While Naoe Shizu tends to have broader and more dynamic hamon, Yamato Shizu displays more refined and intricate patterns.
Yamato Shizu swords are appreciated by connoisseurs for their deep aesthetic value.
This piece features faint utsuri, a refined jigane, and active fine sunagashi and kinsuji.
The name “Yamato Shizu” refers to blades forged by Shizu Saburo Kaneuji during his time in Yamato province.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Shakudo tsuba with openwork carving. A splendid piece.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo with engraved butterfly motifs and gold iroe decoration.
Saya (Scabbard): Black ishimeji finish with a black family crest – Kaga Umebachi mon.
Menuki: Two wild boars in high relief, detailed in gold (purity of gold unknown).

Aoi Art’s Comment: This is a remarkable combination of blade and koshirae.
Yamato Shizu works are admired for their clearly visible hada and refined jigane.
The hamon of small gunome midare is enhanced with sunagashi and kinsuji.
The koshirae is distinguished by the inclusion of a family crest – the Kaga Umebachi mon.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Koshirae: NBTHK Hozon Tosogu Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata included