AS23191 Katana ： Mumei (Unsigned)(Cho Aritoshi, 長有俊) (41st NBTHK Juyo Token)

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (41st NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Mumei (Unsigned)(Cho Aritoshi, 長有俊)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Saijyo Saku (the highest grade) among the works attributed to Mumei (Cho Aritoshi, 長有俊).

Habaki:Gold foiled double Habaki
Blade Length: 69.5 cm (27.36 in)
Curvature: 0.6 cm (0.24 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.84 cm (1.12 in)
Width at Yokote (Sakihaba): 1.84 cm (0.72 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.53 cm (0.21 in)
Sword Weight: 570 grams
Era: the late Kamakura period to the Nanbokucho, late 14th century)
Shape: slightly thin blade with small curvature and long kissaki.
Jigane: Itame hada with Moku and flowing grain patterns with Jinie.
Hamon: Nie base Suguha with Nijyu-ba and Sunagashi.

Features: Cho Aritoshi was a swordsmith of the Taima school in Yamato Province. It is said that the first generation was active in the late Kamakura period, and the second generation around the beginning of the Nanbokuchō period. According to the Jūyō Zufu of this piece, this work is believed to have been made around the Kenmu era(1334-1338).

Koshirae:
Tsuba: made of iron
Fuchikashira: Shakudo base with paulownia patterns.
Menuki: a design of a dragon.
Saya: Black color.

FromAoi-Art: The jigane, which clearly reflects the characteristics of the Taima school, has a rich, beautiful luster. There are about three cracks near the tip of the blade, which are believed to have been made during battle.

41st NBTHK Juyo Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata