AS25321 Wakizashi:Mumei (Kanemoto)

Ordering number:AS25321

Wakizashi: Shirasaya

Signature: Mumei (Kanemoto)
無銘(兼元)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyo Saku among works attributed to Mumei (Kanemoto).
Habaki: Double-layered copper habaki
Blade Length: 47.2 cm (18.58 in)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.85 cm (1.12 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.15 cm (0.85 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.60 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 450 grams
Era: Late Muromachi period
Shape: A slightly wide blade with solid thickness; long boshi.
Jigane: Slightly pointed sanbonsugi hamon, considered to be pre-Edo period.
Hamon: Cleanly pointed sanbonsugi, with an active midare-komi boshi.

Features:　During the Muromachi period, many swordsmiths aspired to replicate the sharpness of Kanemoto Magoroku.
The sanbonsugi style became widely produced, especially among Mino smiths.
This piece is also believed to be the work of a Seki swordsmith.
The shinogiji shows little masame grain, resulting in a refined and beautiful jigane.
The polish is excellent, drawing out the quality of the steel, and one must admire the care taken in its execution.
While wakizashi are often polished roughly, this one is a well-finished piece that offers much to appreciate.

Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata