Ordering Number: AS24528

Katana: Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Sengo Masashige, 千子正重)

Sue-koto: Jyojyo Saku, Ise Province
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.)
This sword is ranked as Jyo Saku for an unsigned work attributed to Sengo Masashige.

Habaki: Gold-plated single-layer habaki
Blade Length: 67.6 cm (26.61in)
Curvature: 1.6 cm (0.63 in)
Mekugi holes: 2
Width at base (Motohaba): 3.30 cm (1.30 in)
Width at tip (Sakihaba): 2.20 cm (0.87 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.65 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight: 650 grams
Era: the late Muromachi peirod around Taiei era(1521-1528)
Shape: wide blade with deep curvature and long kissaki.
Jigane: intense masame-hada with many Chikei.
Hamon: Gunome midare in Hamachi and Suguha. Boshi is rounded and Hakikake style.

Features: This is a sword attributed to Sengo Masashige.
Masashige was a smith of the Muramasa school, and a disciple of Masashige, who himself was a student of Muramasa.
The swordsmith is from the lineage of the Muramasa school, specifically the Sengo group, and it clearly exhibits the characteristic hamon on both sides of the blade, a hallmark of the Muramasa and Sengo schools.

Aoi Art’s Comment: As you may know, works by the Muramasa school are mostly in the form of tanto, and there are very few katana available. This piece, though unsigned, was attributed to Sengo Masashige during the appraisal. The shape of the tang is in its original form, with a unique curvature. Sengo Masashige was a disciple of Muramasa, making him the swordsmith closest to Muramasa. It is said that Masashige’s works were passed down in the Matsushiro domain, under the Sanada clan. Muramasa swords have recently become highly sought after, making them difficult to acquire. Similarly, Masashige’s works are expected to increase in value. We highly recommend this sword, as katana of this type are extremely rare.

NBTHK Hozon Token（It will be issued soon)
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:1,800,000JPY

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