Ordering number:AS24743

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Consignment Sale)

Signature: Mumei (Unsigned, attributed to Ko-Aoe).
無銘(古青江)

Koto, Saijyo Saku: Bitchu Province.
According to our standards, the quality of a sword is divided into Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for an unsigned work attributed to Ko-Aoe.
Habaki: Gold double-layered.
Blade Length: 68.9 cm (27.13 in).
Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 in).
Mekugi Holes: 2.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.83 cm (1.11 in).
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.86 cm (0.73 in).
Thickness (Kasane): 0.68 cm (0.27 in).
Sword Weight: 675 grams.
Era: Early Kamakura Period, Jōgen Era (1207).
Shape:Ōsuriage mumei (greatly shortened, unsigned).
Jigane:The small itame grain flows with prominent black chikei, and utsuri activity is apparent.
The chikei pattern resembling gold streaks is remarkable.
Hamon:The hamon features a mix of small irregular patterns and small chōji midare, giving it a deep impression.
The bōshi is irregular, sweeping upward at the tip.

Features: From the end od the Heain period to the beginning of the Kamakura period is called Ko Aoe.
The style is similar to the neighboring province's Ko Bizen.
The Jigane is a unique and powerful charm.This is a robust piece from 818 years ago, attributed to Ko-Aoe, with a slightly thick kasane and a carved bōhi (groove) extending through the tang.

Aoi Art’s Comment:This blade, attributed to the early Kamakura Period, exhibits the distinct characteristics of Ko-Chōji midare with visible ara-tama (coarse grain).
It is believed to have been owned by a daimyo and attributed to Sadatsugu of the Ko-Aoe School.
The bōshi is well-preserved, and the chikei is vibrant and dynamic, making this a masterpiece nearly 820 years old that remains captivating.

Japan is a scenic country, but its winters are cold and rainy, making sword preservation challenging.
It requires exceptional effort to maintain and care for a Japanese sword for generations, especially one that remains suitable for appreciation.

To be able to admire a work from the early Kamakura Period is a privilege for us Japanese.
We strongly recommend proper preservation of this sword as a cherished family heirloom.
The chikei patterns on the jigane resemble black streaks akin to gold lines and are strikingly vivid.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
Aoi Art Estimation Paper.
Whole Oshigata included.

Auction Starting Price:2,600,000JPY

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