AS26431 Katana:Mumei (Attributed to Naoe Shizu) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering Number: AS26431

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

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

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This blade is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works attributed to Mumei (Naoe Shizu).
Habaki: Single gold-foiled habaki.
Blade Length: 72.3 cm (28.46 in).
Curvature: 2.0 cm (0.79 in).
Mekugi Hole: 3 (2 plugged).
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.01 cm (1.19 in).
Width at Yokote: 1.86 cm (0.73 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.66 cm (0.26 in).
Sword Weight: 720 g.
Era: Early Nanbokucho period.
Shape: A well-proportioned katana with a slightly wide mihaba, deep curvature, and an elongated kissaki.
Jigane: Well-forged, tightly compact ko-itame hada forming a fine-quality jigane.
Hamon: A continuous rounded gunome-midare with a deep nioiguchi and active ashi. The boshi returns in a rounded form.

Features: Shizu was originally the name of a locality in Mino Province. It became associated with the swordsmith Kaneuji, one of Masamune’s celebrated Juttetsu (Ten Great Disciples), who settled there and became known as Shizu Saburo Kaneuji. Later, his disciples—including Kanetomo, Kanetsugu, Kaneshige, and Kanenobu—moved to Naoe in Mino Province. Their works came to be known collectively as Naoe Shizu.

Koshirae: Hantachi koshirae.
Tsuba: Tachi-style tsuba.
Fuchikashira: The fuchi, kashira, kojiri, and other fittings are made of iron.
Saya (Scabbard): Black ishime-ji lacquered saya.
Menuki: Aoi crest motif decorated with gold iroe.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This blade has been finely polished, revealing a beautiful jigane and an excellent overall shape. It is a sword we can confidently recommend.

Historical Background: In the early Nanbokucho period, around 1336, Emperor Go-Daigo’s Kenmu Restoration came to an end. Ashikaga Takauji established Emperor Komyo in Kyoto as the ruler of the Northern Court, while Emperor Go-Daigo fled to Yoshino in present-day Nara Prefecture and established the Southern Court, claiming his legitimacy. This marked the beginning of the prolonged conflict between the Northern and Southern Courts.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata.

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