Ordering number:24625

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (Unsigned), attributed to Omiya.
無銘　伝（大宮）

Sayagaki: Written by Dr. Kunzan: "Bizen Omiya Morikage, O-suriage.
Blade Length: 2 shaku 2 sun 5 bu.
Written in March, Showa Kinoto Tora (Year of the Tiger) at Kugayama Residence by Kunzan."

We classify the craftsmanship of swordsmiths into four categories: Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This katana is ranked as Jyojyo Saku.
Habaki:Gold-plated double-layered habaki with kikyo (bellflower) motif.
Blade Length: 2 shaku 2 sun 4 bu (approximately 67.9 cm or 26.73 in).
Curvature: 0.35 cm (0.14 in).
Mekugi Holes: 3.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.83 cm (1.11 in).
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.91 cm (0.75 in).
Thickness (Kasane): 0.65 cm (0.26 in).
Sword Weight: 635 g (1.40 lbs).
Era:Nanbokucho period (around the Joji era).（Around 1362)
Shape:O-suriage mumei blade with bohi carved on both sides and extending through the tang.
Jigane:Itame hada with flowing patterns, clearly visible with subtle utsuri reflections.

Hamon:Nioi-deki with rounded gunome-midare.
The boshi follows a San-saku style with a gentle notare and rounded return.

Features:Though unsigned, this blade is attributed to the Omiya school and certified as Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
It comes with a saya inscription by Dr. Kunzan, adding historical significance.
The Omiya school, based in Bizen, originated from smiths like Kunimori who migrated to Bizen.
The representative smith, Morikage, is often associated with this lineage.
Recent studies suggest that the Omiya school might be a branch of Osafune due to stylistic similarities in mei and workmanship.
The blade displays bright and sharp hamon, showcasing excellent craftsmanship.

Koshirae Details:
Tsuba:Circular shakudo tsuba with a traditional "kenjo" (presentation-style) design.
Saya:Lacquered in kuro roiro (glossy black).
Fuchi-Kashira:Shakudo with nanako-ji surface, featuring kiri-mon (paulownia crest) in gold inlay.
Kashira made of black horn.
Menuki:Shakudo base with chrysanthemum motifs accented with gold inlay.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This katana is an excellent unsigned example attributed to the Omiya school and certified as Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
The saya inscription by Dr. Kunzan further supports its attribution to Bizen Omiya Morikage.
The Omiya school is renowned for producing large and elegant blades during the Nanbokucho period, and this katana exemplifies their bright and refined workmanship.
The accompanying koshirae, featuring traditional and elegant designs, further enhances its appeal.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
Aoi Art estimation paper.
Whole oshigata.

Price:1,500,000JPY

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