AS26005 Katana: Mumei(Echizen Rai) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering Number：AS26005

Katana in Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei(Echizen Rai)

Used: Chujō-saku: Echizen, 1362, 664 years ago.
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
The quality of this work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Mumei(Echizen Rai).
Habaki: Single-layer silver habaki.
Blade Length: 70.91 cm (27.91 in).
Curvature: 1.67 cm (0.66 in).
Mekugi Hole: 3.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.19 cm (1.26 in).
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.19 cm (0.86 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.67 cm (0.26 in).
Sword Weight: 680 g.
Era: Nanbokucho period.
Shape: Wide blade with bo-hi groove.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with utsuri visible.
Hamon: Nioi-deki, suguha with active ko-ashi.

Features: This is a solid and robust blade with a wide mihaba.
Echizen Rai refers to a group of Rai school swordsmiths who migrated to Echizen and produced swords there.
This work from the late Nanbokucho period shows utsuri and a highly active suguha hamon.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Mokko-shaped iron tsuba with silver inlay design.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanako ground with carved cherry blossom petals and bridge, highlighted in gold.
Saya (Scabbard): Reddish-brown lacquered saya.
Menuki: Horse motif with gold finish.

Historical Background: Echizen Rai is another name for Chiyozuru Kuniyasu of Echizen Fuchu, regarded as the founder of the Chiyozuru school, whose lineage traces back to Yamashiro.
During the Nanbokucho period, around the Joji era (1362–1368), Nitta Yoshisada (1301–1338) was a military commander active from the late Kamakura to Nanbokucho period.
In 1333, he attacked Kamakura and overthrew the shogunate, playing a key role in establishing Emperor Go-Daigo’s Kenmu Restoration.
He later opposed Ashikaga Takauji and fought in the Hokuriku region as a leading supporter of the Southern Court (Emperor Go-Daigo’s side), but was killed in battle at Fujishima in Echizen in 1338.
This is a well-made and enjoyable sword, and the koshirae is also of respectable quality.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata

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