Ordering number:AS24476

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token)

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

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyo Saku among mumei (unsigned) Dotanuki works.
Polished.
Habaki: Silver single-layered.
Blade Length: 80.1 cm (31.54 in)
Curvature: 1.9 cm (0.75 in)
Mekugi Holes: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.98 cm (1.17 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.98 cm (0.78 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.64 cm (0.25 in)
Sword Weight: 800 grams (1.76 lbs)
Era: Late Muromachi period
Shape: This is a robust sword with a length of 80.1 cm, a deep curvature, and an extended tip.
Both sides have a bo-hi (groove).

Jigane: The Itame hada is well-forged, and the grain is clearly visible. Shirake utsuri appears.
Hamon: The temper line features a midare pattern with lots of small gunome, characteristic of Dotanuki. It also shows nie, with activities such as sunagashi and kinsuji, along with double temper lines and small ashi. The boshi is pointed and returns sharply.

Features:
Dotanuki from Higo province in Kyushu is said to have been based in Kikuchi, Kumamoto. It is believed that Kiyokuni and Masakuni were its two greatest smiths, both serving under Kato Kiyomasa. As the Kato family declined, so did the Dotanuki school. Their swords are known for being long and solid, which has led to a strong following among collectors even today. Kato Kiyomasa was said to favor these robust swords. Smiths like Heibei, Matahachi, and Uemon, as well as Munenaga and Masakatsu, were active in the late Edo period.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　This sword is unsigned but has been appraised as Dotanuki. It has a sufficient length, and both the jigane and hamon exhibit the distinctive characteristics of Dotanuki.

Historical Background:　In the late Muromachi period, swords with excellent cutting ability were in demand, and it is said that Kato Kiyomasa particularly favored such swords.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:700,000JPY