AS26490 Katana: Mumei (Attributed to Ōmiya Morikage)(the 15th Juyo Token)

Ordering Number: AS26490

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae(15th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Mumei (Attributed to Ōmiya Morikage 大宮盛景)

Sayagaki:*Bizen no Kuni Ōmiya Morikage.
Suriage Mumei. Blade length: 2 shaku 4 sun 2 bu.
Written by Kunzan
on a summer day in Showa 41 (1966).* (Kaō).

(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 works attributed to Ōmiya Morikage.

Habaki: Double gold-foiled habaki.
Blade Length: 73.2cm (28.82in)
Curvature: 2.7cm (1.06in)
Mekugi-ana: 2
Motohaba: 3.07cm (1.21in)
Sakihaba: 2.00cm (0.79in)
Kasane: 0.68cm (0.27in)
Weight: 725g

Era: Nanbokuchō period circa late 14th century
Shape: wide, thick, and deeply warped blade with Bohi carved on the both sides.
Jigane: itame and mokume covered with fine chikei and nie.
Hamon: law gunome midare with ashi. Much Nie makes frequent Kinsuji and Sunagashi.

Features: It is traditionally said that the Bizen Omiya school began when Kunimori came to Bizen from Inokuma Omiya in Yamashiro Province; however, Morikage is generally regarded as the actual founder of the school. Among extant signed works by Morikage, some bear long signatures such as “Bishu Osafune Morikage,” while others are boldly signed simply “Morikage.” These were long considered to be the works of the same smith, but blades bearing the two-character signature are now thought to be the work of the Omiya school.
This blade displays the distinctive characteristics of Soden Bizen (Soshu-influenced Bizen workmanship): fine chikei appear throughout the jigane, abundant nie is present, and activities such as kinsuji and sunagashi can be seen. Both the jigane and hamon are bright and clear, making this a finely executed and highly accomplished work.

Koshirae:
Saya (Scabbard): Decorative lacquered saya with an unusual finish.
Tsuba: circular iron tsuba inlaid with cherry blossom and dots.
Fuchikashira: Polished shakudo with floral motifs.
Menuki: Shakudo menuki carved with dragons.

15th NBTHK Juyo Certificate
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata

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