AS24821 Katana: Mumei (attributed to Naoe Shizu)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS24821

Katana: in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Naoe Shizu)
無銘(直江志津)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among Mumei (Naoue Shizu) swords.
Habaki: Single-layered gold-covered Iwaishi Habaki
Blade Length: 70.8 cm (27.87 in)
Curvature: 1.9 cm (0.75 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.31 cm (1.30 in)
Width at Yokote (Sakihaba): 2.32 cm (0.91 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.62 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 615 g
Shape:A robust blade with wide mihaba and sufficient thickness.
Both sides are carved with bohi and soe-hi.
The blade has deep curvature and an extended kissaki.
Jigane: Hada is clearly visible with itame mixed, and utsuri appears.
Hamon:A gentle notare mixed with gunome-midare.
The boshi is irregular and returns in a rounded manner.

Features:　Works attributed to Shizu of the Soshu tradition are generally categorized into two types: dynamic and intense hamon, or calmer and more subdued ones.
This piece belongs to the latter, with a relaxed hamon, visible utsuri, and is considered a finely crafted sword.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　“Naoue Shizu” refers to a group of smiths descended from Kanemitsu, one of the Ten Great Disciples of Masamune, who were active at the end of the Kamakura period and later relocated to Naoue during the Nanbokucho period.
This sword dates from the Nanbokucho period.
It features a notare mixed with gunome-midare, a style seen in works by smiths such as Kanemitsu, Kanezugu, Kanetomo, and Kanenobu.
While signed examples exist, most are unsigned.

Polished by Sotaro Matsumura(Mukansa）

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Includes Whole Oshigata

Polished by Sotaro Matsumura(Mukansa）

Please note: the price does not include the shipping fees.