Ordering number:24596

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae(50th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Yoshimitsu).
無銘(義光)

Chuko-to, Saijo Saku, Wazamono, Bizen School.
At our company, we classify swordsmiths' works into four ranks: Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Saijyo Saku for works attributed to Mumei Yoshimitsu.
Habaki: Gold-covered, double-layered habaki.
Blade Length: 69.5 cm (27.36 in).
Curvature: 2.8 cm (1.10 in).
Mekugi Holes: 3.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 0.91 cm (0.36 in).
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.02 cm (0.80 in).
Thickness (Kasane): 0.66 cm (0.26 in).
Sword Weight: 610 g (1.34 lbs).
Era: Nanbokucho Period, Joji Era (1362–1368).
Shape: Slightly wide blade with a deep curvature.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, tightly forged with visible utsuri.
Hamon: Nioi-deki with fine gunome-midare interspersed with reverse midare patterns.
The boshi exhibits the Mitsuyoshi style. The blade’s appearance resembles works by Kagemitsu.
The combination of beautiful jigane and reverse choji-midare hamon is exquisite.

Features:　The sword is attributed to Yoshimitsu, the second son of Bizen Kagemitsu, also known as Sahei no Jodai.
Yoshimitsu often created blades with smaller hamon patterns, similar to his elder brother Kagemitsu.
This sword, with its deep curvature, utsuri, and striking resemblance to Kagemitsu’s style, exemplifies Yoshimitsu’s craftsmanship.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: A round iron tsuba with chrysanthemum flowers inlaid in gold.
Menuki: Family crests depicted in gold, shakudo, and suaka (copper alloys).
Fuchikashira: Wave patterns carved in high relief on a shakudo base.
Saya: Black lacquered saya.
Kozuka and Kogatana: Family crests carved in high relief on a shakudo nanakoji (fish roe pattern surface).
Kogai: Family crests carved in high relief on a shakudo nanakoji.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　This deeply curved blade attributed to Yoshimitsu is a magnificent piece resembling Kagemitsu’s works.
The utsuri enhances its elegance, while the tightly forged jigane and the fine gunome-midare hamon make this a remarkable sword.　The absence of bo-hi on both sides allows a clear view of the original ridge line, adding to the appreciation of its Nanbokucho-era craftsmanship.
We highly recommend this Juyo Token for its exceptional quality and historical value.

50th NBTHK Juyo Token certificate.
Aoi Art’s certification.
Full oshigata.

Price:3,850,000JPY

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