AS25075 Katana: Mumei (Sue　Sa / O-Sa School)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25075

Katana: In Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (Sue　Sa / O-Sa School)
無銘 (末左・大左一門)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among works attributed to Mumei (Sue　Sa / O-Sa School).
Habaki: Double-layered gold-covered habaki
Blade Length: 67.7 cm (26.65 in)
Curvature: 1.1 cm (0.43 in)
Mekugi Holes: 3
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.01 cm (1.18 in)
Width at Tip: 2.18 cm (0.86 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.68 cm (0.27 in)
Sword Weight: 795 grams
Era: Nanbokuchō period
Shape: A well-proportioned piece with standard width and thickness, a moderate curvature, and an extended kissaki.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, clearly visible grain with utsuri appearing.
Hamon: Nioi-deki with double hamon, frequent ko-ashi, and an irregular boshi with midare and a pointed turn-back.

Features: “Sue Sa” refers to the later generation of the Sa school, a group of swordsmiths active during the Nanbokuchō period, believed to be disciples and related smiths of the famous Osafune Sa (Ōsa).
Among them, signed works by smiths such as Yasuyoshi, Yukihiro, and Kunihiro exist, but are mostly limited to tantō and wakizashi.
As such, identifying specific smiths from this group is extremely difficult.
Common traits include irregular boshi patterns and pointed turn-backs, both of which are seen in this piece.
Part of the hamon also features sharp, pointed returns, characteristic of this school.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata