AS26547 Katana: Higo Dotanuki Munehiro (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Higo Dotanuki Munehiro
Ansei 5　Nen 10 Gatsuhi (October　1858)
肥後同田貫宗廣
安政五年十月日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Higo Dotanuki Munethiro.
Habaki: Gold foil single-layer
Blade Length: 68.7 cm (27.05 in)
Curvature: 1.8 cm (0.71 in)
Mekugi Hole: 4
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.99 cm (1.18 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.8 cm (0.71 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.78 cm (0.31 in)
Sword Weight: 775 g (1.71 lbs)
Era: Edo Period, Ansei 5 (1858)
Shape:A well-balanced shape with a standard width, thick kasane, and deep curvature.
The kissaki is slightly long, contributing to its elegant appearance.
Jigane:Small itame hada, well-forged with fine ji-nie, creating a beautiful steel surface.
Hamon: A choji-midare pattern mixed with gunome-midare, featuring a deep curvature.
The boshi is turbulent, and sunagashi and kinsuji run along the hamon.
Kinsuji activity is prominent near the monouchi area.

Features: Higo Dotanuki Munehiro was a smith of the Dotanuki school, which originated in the late Muromachi period.
The Dotanuki school declined as its swords no longer matched the demands of its clients.
However, it was revived in the late Edo period, producing flamboyant choji-midare and gunome-midare patterns.
These swords were highly praised for their intense hamon.
Unlike the Yokoyama school’s tighter hamon, this sword exhibits a strong nie presence, kinsuji activity, and a distinctive boshi.
It is an outstanding piece with a refined and elegant appearance, free from excessive flamboyance.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Iron, featuring carvings of people, plants, and mountains.
Fuchikashira: Iron with engraved patterns.
Saya: Dark brown, glossy lacquered finish.
Menuki: Silver menuki with a dragon motif.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This is an excellent work by Higo Dotanuki Munehiro, showcasing prominent kinsuji activity on both sides of the blade.The craftsmanship is remarkable.
It is unfortunate that someone attempted to alter the nakago, possibly to associate it with a more famous smith.
However, they abandoned the attempt, leaving the sword intact.
With four mekugi holes, one can only imagine the effort put into this. Such modifications should never be repeated.
This is a well-made Dotanuki sword, and the koshirae is also finely crafted, making it a highly recommended piece.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata