AS17486 Katana: Mumei (Ko-Bizen) (The 70th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Ordering number:AS17486

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (The 70th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Mumei (Ko-Bizen)
無銘(古備前)　　

Sayagaki: By Tanobe-sensei
Though this blade is O-suriage and unsigned, it retains a high koshizori (curvature near the base) and presents an elegant shape.
The jigane displays a well-forged itame-hada with ji-nie and faint utsuri.
The hamon is a suguha-chō ko-midare that appears naturally forged.
Inside the ha, there is active ashi and yō, with thick ko-nie and a bright nioiguchi.
It exudes an ancient charm and rich flavor, clearly showing the characteristics of its group.
A fine work.
Blade Length: 2 shaku 2 sun 4 bu (approx. 68.1 cm)
Signed: Tanzan kanji signature (kaō)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Saijyo Saku (highest rank) among works of Mumei (Ko-Bizen).

Habaki: Gold foil single-piece
Blade Length: 68.1 cm (26.81 in)
Curvature: 2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.77 cm (1.09 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.84 cm (0.72 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.59 cm (0.23 in)
Sword Weight: 595 g
Era: Late Heian Period (circa 1184)
Shape: The blade is relatively wide, with slightly thick kasane, deep curvature, and an extended kissaki.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with visible chikei. The texture is tight and refined with discernible utsuri.
Hamon: Suguha with notare, featuring kin-suji and gently active ko-ashi and yō. A remarkably varied hamon.
The bōshi flows into a midare style.

Features: Ko-Bizen refers to works from the late Heian period. The jigane is distinct, and the shinogi-ji, upon close inspection, has little masame and an elegant hamon.
This Ko-Bizen piece displays lively movement in its hamon, with a wonderfully midare-komi bōshi.
Black-colored kin-suji and chikei are also present.
Although this sword is nearly 840 years old, made in the late Heian period, the blade remains in healthy condition with a clearly defined hamon at the kissaki.
We reflect on how many more centuries this treasured sword will be preserved if it continues to be properly maintained.
The koshirae also reflects the calm atmosphere of its time.
We sincerely hope you will make this sword a part of your family heirloom.
The Tsuka wrapping is slightly worn, so for those who wish, we will rewrap it in your preferred color as a complimentary service.

Koshirae: Tachi Koshirae
Tsuba: Shakudō Tachi Tsuba
Fuchikashira: Shakudō design
Saya (Scabbard): Uniquely lacquered saya
Menuki: Oni-gawara design with shakudō motifs

The 70th NBTHK Juyo Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata

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