AS26430 Wakizashi: Mumei(Unsigned)(Nobukuni)(the 54th Juyo Token)

Ordering Number: AS26430

Wakizashi in Shirasaya with Koshirae (54th NBTHK Juyo Token) (with Origami)

Signature: Mumei (Nobukuni 信国, 1st Generation)

Sayagak: Tanobe Sensei
Joshu Nobukuni.
The blade is unsigned and retains its original nakago (ubu-nakago). The nie activities in both the jigane and hamon are rich and deeply appealing, and the workmanship is excellent, clearly displaying the characteristics of the first-generation Nobukuni. It dates to around the Enbun-Joji era (1356-1368), in the middle of the Nanbokucho period.　This piece is accompanied by an origami issued by Hon’ami Ko-on in Kanbun 3 (1663), appraising the blade at five gold mai.
Blade Length: 1 shaku 1 sun 2 bu.
Written in September, 2007
Inscribed by Tanzan (kao).

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This blade is ranked as Saijyo Saku among the works of Nobukuni (First Generation).

Habaki: Double gold-foiled habaki.
Blade Length: 34.0cm (13.39in)
Curvature: 0.5cm (0.20in)
Mekugi-ana: 3
Motohaba: 3.09cm (1.22in)
Kasane: 0.42cm (0.17in)
Weight: 230g

Era: Middle Nanbokucho period, mid 14th century
Shape: wide, thin, long and slightly carved Tanto with Mitsumune, typical form from mid Nanbokucho period.
Jigane: Itame mixed with chikei with fine Ji-nie, Ji-fu and Utsuri.
Hamon: Notare mixed with small gunome. Nie makes bright nioikuchi, and sunagashi kinsuji.

Features:
Nobukuni was a Yamashiro swordsmith active during the Nanbokucho period, around the Enbun and Joji eras, and is traditionally said to have been a student of Sadamune. In the past, a smith from around the Kenmu era was regarded as the first generation, with the Nanbokucho-period Nobukuni considered the second generation. However, since no works that can be reliably dated to around the Kenmu era are known to exist, the generally accepted view today is that the Nobukuni of the Enbun and Joji eras was the first generation.
This blade is unsigned and retains its original nakago, preserving its original form from the period and clearly displaying the characteristic features of Nobukuni.　The Origami was issued in 1663 by Ko’on, the 11th-generation head of the Hon’ami family, a distinguished lineage of Japanese sword appraisers dating back to the Muromachi period, making it a highly valuable and important document.

Koshirae: Aikuchi koshirae.
Fuchikashira: made of horn
Saya (Scabbard): Reddish-brown lacquered saya.
Menuki: Solid gold base, carved with a dragon.

The 54th NBTHK Juyo Certificate
Hon’ami Mitsuatsu Origami dated 1663
NBTHK Hozon Tosogu Certificate for Menuki
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata

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