Ordering number: AS24614

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Morimasa Saku (Kongobyoe)
盛昌作(金剛兵衛）

Our classification system evaluates swords as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, or Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku for the craftsmanship of Morimasa Saku (Kongobyoe).
Habaki: Single-layered silver
Blade Length: 68.1 cm (26.81 in)
Curvature: 2.0 cm (0.79 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.17 cm (1.25 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.04 cm (0.80 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.73 cm (0.29 in)
Sword Weight: 745 g (1.64 lbs)
Era: Nanbokucho Period, around the Kento era (approximately 654 years ago)
Shape: The nakago has a tower-shaped (toba-gata) design, with a broad blade width, deep curvature, and an extended kissaki, showcasing excellent proportions.
Jigane: A mix of itame-hada and mokume-hada, with visible shirake utsuri.
Hamon: A suguha pattern with small nie and nezumi-ashi, with a rounded boshi that returns gracefully.

Features:　This sword was crafted by Morimasa Saku, a member of the Kongobyoe school. The nakago has a distinctive tower-shaped design, and the hamon is a suguha with a rounded boshi. This sword is thought to have religious significance. It is an ancient work with a solid structure and excellent proportions.

Koshirae (Mountings):
Tsuba: Shakudo polished base.
Menuki: Engraved with a flower basket motif.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo polished base.
Saya: Dark brown carved lacquer finish.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This sword features a suguha hamon with ko-ashi and nezumi-ashi, along with shirake utsuri, reflecting its ancient origins. The nakago has a single mekugi-ana, which is a unique aspect of this piece. Highly recommended.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:680,000JPY

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