AS25291 Katana: Mumei(Unsigned) (Echizen Rai)(Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei(Unsigned) (Echizen Rai, 越前来)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Mumei (Echizen Rai).

Habaki: Single gold-foiled Habaki
Blade Length: 71.3 cm (28.07 in)
Curvature: 2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Mekugi Hole: 3
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.94 cm (1.16 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.96 cm (0.77 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.62 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 790 g
Era: around Nanbokucho period
Shape: slightly wide blade with a large curvature.
Jigane: Koitame hada with flowing Itame pattern with random Utsuri.
Hamon: Ko-nie base soft Suguha with faint Ashi, Sunagashi and Kinsuji.

Features: The Chiyozuru school originated when Rai Kuniyasu moved to Echizen, and is therefore also known as “Echizen Rai.” Active from the Nanbokuchō period to the early Muromachi period, it is represented not only by Kuniyasu but also by other notable smiths such as Morihiro.

Koshirae:
metal fittings: Shakudo nanako base with hollyhock family crest.

Aoi Art’s Comment: The deeply curved form and the presence of utsuri convey a sense of antiquity, while the koshirae, unified with the Aoi crest, is of fine workmanship. There a few cracks on the Shinogi-ji and Mune although they are not shown in the photos.

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