Ordering number: 24552

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Den Aoe).
無銘(伝　青江)

Our evaluation system ranks swordsmiths’ works as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This piece is classified as JyoJyo Saku for the works of Den Aoe.
Habaki: Gold-covered double-layered habaki.
Blade Length: 60.4 cm (23.78 in).
Curvature: 1.5 cm (0.59 in).
Mekugi Holes: 2.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.72 cm (1.07 in).
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.94 cm (0.76 in).
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.59 cm (0.23 in).
Sword Weight: 610 g (1.34 lbs).
Era: Late Kamakura period to early Nanbokucho period.
Shape: The blade is slightly wide with standard thickness.
The curvature is deep, and the kissaki (tip) is slightly extended.
Jigane: Koitame hada, well-forged with a chirimenzu texture, characteristic of Aoe school, showing a prominent utsuri.
Hamon: Well-constructed ko-nie deki with tight formation, displaying occasional "nezumi ashi" patterns.
The boshi is rounded and turns back (komaru kaeru).

Features: The Aoe School, regarded Yasutsugu in the middle Heian period as the founder had been prospered at the lower reaches of the Takanashi River in Bichu province. Swordsmiths of Aoe School forged quite a few o-naginata in late Kamakura period to early Nambokucho period.
The work exhibits the distinctive characteristics of Aoe school, including a unique chirimenzu jigane and tightly formed hamon.
The blade is bright and lacks a bo-hi (groove).
The combination of excellent jigane and hamon gives the blade a dignified and elegant appearance, with clear utsuri visible.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Mokko-shaped shakudo nanakoji tsuba, featuring a high-relief carving of dragons and clouds, accentuated with gold highlights.
Menuki: High-relief carving of dragons with gold highlights.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanakoji with a high-relief carving of dragons and clouds, adorned with gold highlights.
Saya (Scabbard): Decorated with kikkake (chrysanthemum skin pattern) and carvings.
Historical Background:
The late Kamakura to early Nanbokucho period was marked by intense warfare, with frequent conflicts between regional powers.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
Aoi Art’s Estimation Paper.
Whole Oshigata

Price:2,500,000JPY

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