AS25361 Katana: Mumei (attributed to Kanefusa) (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25361

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

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Kanefusa)
無銘(金房)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku for Mumei (Kanefusa).
Habaki: Double-layered with gold foil.
Blade Length: 69.8 cm (27.48 in).
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in).
Mekugi Holes: 4.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.91 cm (1.15 in).
Width at Tip: 1.93 cm (0.76 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.64 cm (0.25 in).
Sword Weight: 700 grams.
Era: Late Muromachi period.
Shape: Wide body with relatively thick kasane and an extended kissaki.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada is tightly forged and becomes a refined jigane.
Hamon: Utsuri appears. The hamon consists of large and small choji-midare mixed with gunome-midare. The boshi is intricately patterned, round at the tip, and returns deeply.

Features: Kanefusa was a group of swordsmiths from Yamato. Notable smiths like Nanto-ju Masazane, Masatsugu, and Masasada were especially active.
They were particularly skilled in spear-making and are highly regarded.
While many works from the Kanebo school resemble the rough style of the Dotanuki school, Nanto-ju Kanefusa Hyobu-no-jo Masatsugu, who inherited the Tegai tradition, produced many high-quality swords.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: An old Muromachi period tsuba with six holes.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanako ground with a design of koi (carp) in high relief, highlighted with gold.
Saya (Scabbard): Samegawa (ray skin) saya.
Menuki: Chrysanthemum flowers in high relief with gold embellishment.

Aoi Art’s Comment: The hamon shows dynamic and varied patterns of large and small choji-midare mixed with gunome-midare.
This is a well-made piece and is highly recommended.

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