AS25636 Katana:Mumei (attributed to Norishige)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25636

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Norishige)
無銘(則重)

Sayagaki: By Mr. Tanobe
Echu no Kuni Gofuku-go Saeki Norishige
O-suriage Mumei
This smith was a top disciple of Shintogo Kunimitsu, and refined his craft alongside fellow student Masamune.
Blade length: 2 shaku 3 sun 6 bu 5 rin (approx. 71.5 cm / 28.15 in)
Written on a lucky day in Fumizuki (July), Mizunoto-U (癸卯) year of Reiwa 5 (2023)
Inscribed by Tanzan after close examination (with Kao)

Although the blade is unsigned due to being greatly shortened (o-suriage), it retains a high koshizori (curvature near the tang), standard width, and chu-kissaki (medium tip).
The itame-hada is clearly visible and flowing, with thick ji-nie (crystalline surface texture).
Abundant chikei and areas of ji-hada mixed with dark steel hues form a unique texture.
The hamon features a complex midare (irregular) pattern with wide nie coverage.
The nie activity varies in intensity, with bright, clustered formations.
Vivid hataraki (activities within the hamon) include sunagashi, kinsuji, inazuma, nie lines, and yubashiri, all woven together in a rich, natural expression.
This is an exceptional work that vividly displays the unique artistry only possible from this smith.
A rare and highly valuable piece.

Chu-Koto: Saijyo Saku (Kamakura period, around Genko era 1321)
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Saijo Saku, the highest grade, among the mumei blades attributed to Norishige.
Habaki: Single-layered, gold-covered
Blade Length: 71.8 cm (28.27 in)
Curvature: 2.3 cm (0.91 in)
Mekugi Holes: 4
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.00 cm (1.18 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.96 cm (0.77 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.69 cm (0.27 in)
Sword Weight: 660 g
Shape: Though unsigned due to suriage, the blade has a standard width and thickness, with a deep curvature and extended kissaki.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, well-forged and beautiful, with visible chikei.
Hamon: Nie-deki gunome-midare with active hataraki such as sunagashi, kinsuji, inazuma, and yubashiri.

Features: Norishige, also known as Saeki no Kuro Saburo, resided in Gofuku in Nei-gun, Etchu Province.
He is said to have first trained under Yoshihiro of the same province, then later moved to Soshu and studied under Masamune.
According to Fujishiro, based on period analysis, Norishige is senior to Yoshihiro, and many of his works bear date inscriptions, allowing clear dating of his pieces.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This sword shows a beautiful shape with a visible shinogi-ji, allowing clear observation of the jigane.
When a bo-hi is carved on the shinogi, the steel’s texture becomes harder to see, but in this case, the fine ko-itame is mixed with mokume and delicate masame.
From the late Kamakura period—Enkei, Showa, Bunpo, Genko, Shochu, Kareki—many dated Norishige pieces survive from this 20-year span.
A fair amount of reference material remains.

Historical Background: The Kamakura period marked the beginning of ambitious political reforms aimed at replacing the military regime with a return to ancient imperial rule.
During this time, Japan suffered invasions by the Mongols (the two Mongol incursions), along with earthquakes, famines, and epidemics.
There were 50 era name changes, 30 of which were due to disasters.
Kamakura Buddhism spread widely among commoners and samurai.
Norishige’s works from this period reflect the dense characteristics of the Soshu tradition, often featuring engraved inscriptions.
The intense activity in the hamon—sunagashi, kinsuji, and inazuma—presents a vivid and dynamic appearance.
Highly recommended.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

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