AS25705 Katana：Mumei (Attributed to Sekishu Sadatsuna) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering Number: AS25705

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (Attributed to Sekishu Sadatsuna)
無銘(石州貞綱)

Middle Koto: Jyo Saku: Iwami Province
(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 works attributed to Sekishu Sadatsuna.
Habaki: Double gold-foiled habaki.
Blade Length: 61.2 cm (24.09 in).
Curvature: 1.1 cm (0.43 in).
Mekugi Hole: 2 (1 filled).
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.06 cm (1.20 in).
Width at Yokote: 2.29 cm (0.90 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.701 cm (0.28 in).
Sword Weight: 630 g.
Era: Nanbokucho period (1336–1392).
Shape: A katana with standard mihaba (width) and kasane (thickness).
Jigane: Itame hada with visible chikei and a prominent grain pattern.
Hamon: Nie-deki gunome-midare.
Abundant sunagashi and kinsuji are active within the hamon.
The boshi displays hakikake.

Features: The 1st-generation Sekishu Sadatsuna is traditionally said to have been the son of the renowned swordsmith Naotsuna, who was counted by the Hon’ami family among the Masamune Juttetsu (10 Great Disciples of Soshu Masamune).

Sekishu (present-day Shimane Prefecture) had been an important center of iron production since ancient times.
With access to this rich ironworking tradition, the swordsmiths of the Sekishu school flourished and established a prosperous lineage.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: A round copper tsuba covered with silver, carved with figures and landscape scenery, and decorated with gold iroe.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanako fittings featuring high-relief carvings of dragons, highlighted with gold iroe.
Saya (Scabbard): Red kawari-nuri (decorative lacquer) saya.
Menuki: Carved with a depiction of Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, and decorated with gold iroe.

Historical Background: The Meitoku era (1390–1394) marked the final years of the Nanbokucho period, a time of major political transformation in Japan.

The Nanbokucho period began in 1336, when Ashikaga Takauji established a new military government in Kyoto while Emperor Go-Daigo retreated to Yoshino, creating a division between 2 rival imperial courts.

The Battle of Minatogawa: In 1336, Ashikaga Takauji defeated forces led by Kusunoki Masashige and advanced into Kyoto.
This victory was a decisive step toward the establishment of a new samurai government.

The Division of the Imperial Courts: Japan became divided between the Northern Court in Kyoto and the Southern Court in Yoshino.
The rival courts competed for imperial legitimacy, resulting in decades of political and military conflict.

The Rise of the Muromachi Shogunate: During this period, Ashikaga Takauji consolidated his military authority and laid the foundations for the Muromachi shogunate.
The conflict between the Northern and Southern Courts continued until their reunification in 1392.

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

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