Ordering Number: AS23457

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)
Signature: Mumei (attributed to Araki Kiyoshige, 荒木清重)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku. This sword is ranked as Jyo Saku.

Habaki: Silver, single-layered
Blade Length: 70.3 cm (27.68 in)
Curvature: 1.8 cm (0.71 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.97 cm (1.17 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.03 cm (0.80 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.81 cm (0.32 in)
Sword Weight: 720 grams
Era: Edo period, Genji 1 (1864) to Keiō 1 (1865)
Shape: wide and thick blade with deep Sori and long kissaki.
Jigane: fine Ko-itame hada looks like plain jigane.
Hamon:Ko-niedeki Gunome midare with ashi. Boshi is pointed and turns back.

Features: Araki Kiyoshige was a swordsmith in Gunma, who is said to have been an apprentice of Kiyomaro based on the inscription on his tombstone. However, it is said that Kiyoshige's direct master was Kiyondo, based on his style of work.

Aoi Art’s Comment: The Hozon Shinsa identified the sword as “Araki Kiyoshige,” but this work also has a certificate of NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho, which states that the inscription at that time was “Kane (cut off below)” and the appraisal was “Den Shintō Kanesada” (伝新刀兼定). Since this sword is deeply warped and well-made, the inscription was probably falsified to make it look like an old sword.It is believed that the inscription was subsequently removed when it was submitted for NBTHK Hozon Shinsa.

NBTHK Hozon Paper
NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Paper
AoiArt estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:450,000JPY

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