AS25504 Katana：Mumei (attributed to Awataguchi Kuniyasu)NBTHK Hozon Token) (Consignment Sale)

Ordering number:AS25504

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token) (Consignment Sale)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Awataguchi Kuniyasu)
(伝　粟田口国安)

Koto: Saijyo Saku (Highest Grade) : Yamashiro : Around the Shoji Era
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 a blade attributed to Awataguchi Kuniyasu.

Habaki: Single-layered gold foil habaki
Blade Length: 64.8 cm (25.51 in)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.87 cm (1.13 in).
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.85 cm (0.73 in).
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.55 cm (0.22 in)
Sword Weight: 650 grams
Era: Kamakura period, around the Shoji era (1199–1201)
Shape: The blade is well proportioned with sufficient width and thickness, and has a slightly downward-curving kissaki, giving a distinctive ancient impression.
Jigane: Beautiful Awataguchi jigane with visible utsuri pattern. The jigane is healthy and remarkably clean.
Hamon: Gunome-midare with double lines appearing; a faint temper pattern remains on the tip.

Features:
Awataguchi Kuniyasu was the son of Awataguchi Kuniie and bore the surname Hayashi. He was also known as Fujiwara no Saburō. He was selected as one of the Goban Kaji (imperial swordsmiths) by Emperor Gotoba. He was an honored swordsmith appointed as Yamashiro no Kami.

Aoi Art’s Comment:
This sword has two uchi-komi (combat dents) below the middle of the blade, and there is also a flaw near the monouchi (cutting area near the tip). The polisher deliberately left these flaws visible during the polishing process.

Historical Context:
The Kamakura period, around the Shoji era, was approximately 15 years after the end of the Heian period. This sword, made 826 years ago, is a finest work attributed to Awataguchi Kuniyasu. Its downward-tilting kissaki and ancient form give a strong impression of its age. Even though there is slight fatigue in the jigane, the atmosphere of the blade itself is deeply impressive. Although the exact date of manufacture is unknown, the presence of two combat dents strongly suggests actual battlefield use. There are small rough areas on the shinogi-ji, but for a blade that has lasted over 800 years, it gives a deeply moving impression. We highly recommend this distinguished sword.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata