AS25469 Katana: in Shirasaya (Consignment Sale)

Ordering number：AS25469

Katana: in Shirasaya (Consignment Sale)

Signature: Mumei (Unsigned) (Judged as Soshu school / Mino Kanesada / Takada school)

Sayagaki: Ise no Kuni Muramasa
Second Generation – Daiei Era.
Healthy Jitetsu and Hamon.
Mumei work in the Muramasa style.
Blade length: 2 shaku 4 sun 8 bu.
A lucky day in late autumn, Showa Nezumi year.
Inscribed by Kanzan (with kaō).

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyo Saku for an unsigned work.
Habaki: Gold-covered single-piece habaki.
Blade Length: 75.2 cm (29.61 in)
Curvature: 1.9 cm (0.75 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.83 cm (1.11 in)
Width at Tip: 1.73 cm (0.68 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.53 cm (0.21 in)
Sword Weight: 540 g
Era: Mid to Late Muromachi Period
Shape:Slightly long blade with noticeable curvature.
Extended kissaki gives the blade a graceful appearance.
Jigane:Tightly forged ko-itame hada forming a refined jitetsu.
Hamon:Close to nioi-deki.
The hamon is clearly visible due to sashikomi-style polishing.
Upon careful examination, it shows traits resembling Soshu-mono, Muromachi-era Yoshisuke, Soshu works, Senjuin Muramasa, Takada, and Mino no Kanesada.

Features: This piece is offered as a consignment sale.
The nakago has been altered in Muramasa style, mimicking the appearance of a Senjuin Muramasa blade.
However, it was judged not to be Muramasa.
The nakago has been reshaped to appear Muramasa-like, but the part imitating Muramasa has been scraped, creating unnatural thickness, which casts doubt.
That said, as the blade is unsigned, it may still qualify for NBTHK Hozon Token.
Although the workmanship is excellent, the alteration is unfortunate.
The sayagaki shows signs of overwriting an erased signature, though parts of Kanzan Sensei’s original writing remain.
Our appraisal concludes that this is not a Muramasa.
Nonetheless, the craftsmanship is excellent, and it comes with a gold-covered single-piece habaki.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This is a finely crafted sword that appears to be the work of Soshu-mono, Mino Kanesada, Senjuin school, or Yoshisuke.
It is nioi-deki with a double hamon.
The boshi turns down and returns round, with deep kaeri and tobiyaki.
I especially appreciate the long length and the clear visibility of the hamon due to sashikomi-style polishing, which enhances the overall appeal of this Muromachi-period piece.

Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata
*Please note: The price does not include shipping fees.