AS25444 Katana: Mumei (Ukai)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25444

Katana: in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (Ukai)
無銘(宇甘)

Koto: Bizen / Jyo Saku / Bunpo Era (1317)
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojo Saku for Mumei (Ukai).
Habaki: Plain copper habaki
Blade Length: 63.7 cm (25.07 in)
Curvature: 1.9 cm (0.75 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.98 cm (1.17 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.10 cm (0.83 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.71 cm (0.28 in)
Sword Weight: 695 g
Era: Late Kamakura Period (1317)
Shape:This sword is a O-suriage mumei piece, with a wide and thick blade.
It has a deep curvature and a slightly wide kissaki.
A robust and powerful form.
Jigane:Itame-hada with visible grain, well-forged.
Boshi shows irregular activity.
A healthy condition overall.
Hamon:Choji-midare in nioi-deki, forming a continuous pattern.
Double lines (futasuji-ba) are visible.
Active ko-ashi present.
Reverse choji in the style of Aoe school is clearly seen.

Features:　The Ukai school was active from the late Kamakura to Nanbokucho period.
They originated in modern-day Okayama, in the Ukai-Higashi area of Mitsu Town, Mitsu District.
The Matsuda clan of Soshu moved to this area after the Jokyu War and governed until the late Sengoku period.
Matsuda Moriaki played a role during the Kemmu Restoration, and his name appears in the Taiheiki.
The style resembles that of Unji and Unsho, especially in the jigane and hamon.
This piece, with its strong curvature, also shares characteristics with works from the Bitchu Aoe school.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Round iron tsuba, likely of Owari origin.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanako ground with high-relief carving of pine tree and carp, decorated with gold inlay.
Saya (Scabbard): Glossy black lacquer with ishime texture.
Kojiri: Iron base with dragonfly design.
Menuki: Shakudo with high-relief bow and arrow motif, decorated with gold inlay.

Aoi Art’s Comment:This sword has a deep curvature with a relatively wide shinogi, indicative of the late Kamakura period.
The presence of shinogiji allows one to appreciate the jigane clearly.
It is a sturdy and well-preserved work.
The jigane and hamon are both well-forged, and utsuri is also visible.
The reverse choji pattern in the hamon is typical of works found in swordsmith registries.
Due to its high quality and the inclusion of a fine koshirae, we highly recommend this sword.

Historical Background:
The late Kamakura period (approx. 1288–1333, Shoo, Einin to Genko era) saw the dominance of the Hojo clan’s centralized rule.
Rebellion by “akuto” groups increased, and Emperor Go-Daigo’s attempts to overthrow the shogunate eventually led to its downfall.
Agricultural productivity rose, with double cropping spreading, and commercial and monetary economies developed.
However, many gokenin (vassals) fell into poverty due to the mismatch with the monetary system, weakening the shogunate’s authority.
Culturally, a warrior ethos emphasizing simplicity and strength emerged, blending aristocratic and samurai traditions into a unique buke culture.

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