Ordering number:24525

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Dotanuki).
無銘(同田貫)

Saya inscription:　Kyushu Higo Dotanuki. However, unsigned.
One of the fine works.Blade length: 2 shaku 4 sun 2 bu (approximately 73.5 cm / 28.94 in).
Written in Showa period, the end of December, by Dr. Kanzan.

Our company ranks swordsmith works as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyo Saku.
Habaki: Single-layer gold-plated.
Blade Length: 73.5 cm (28.94 in).
Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.14 cm (1.24 in).
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.04 cm (0.8 in).
Thickness (Kasane): 0.77 cm (0.3 in).
Sword Weight: 780 grams.
Era: Muromachi period.
Shape (Taikai):Wide blade with thick construction, moderately deep curvature, and an extended kissaki (tip).
Jigane:Ko-itame hada, well-forged with visible grain.
Hamon:Nie-deki suguha (straight temper line) with small ashi (feet) entering the hamon and a faint double hamon. The boshi is midare (irregular), curving deeply toward the tip.

Features:The Dotanuki school of Kyushu Higo, based in Kumamoto's Kikuchi area, was renowned for robust swords often attributed to Seikuni and Masakuni, who served Kato Kiyomasa. With the fall of the Kato family, the Dotanuki tradition also declined. Their swords are highly collectible for their large and solid craftsmanship, a preference of Kato Kiyomasa. Notable names include Dotanuki Heibu, Matahachi, and Uemon in the early period, and Munenobu and Masakatsu in the late Edo period.

Aoi Art’s Comment: The swords of Kyushu Higo Dotanuki are valued for their excellent cutting ability, and minor flaws are often overlooked, reflecting the character of Kato Kiyomasa. Although unsigned, this sword is easily recognizable as Dotanuki, as confirmed by Kanzan Sensei’s saya inscription. Upon inspection, this sword shows very few flaws or defects, justifying Kanzan Sensei’s assessment of it as "one of the fine works."

NBTHK Hozon Token.
Aoi Art’s estimation paper.
Whole Oshigata.

Price:650,000JPY

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