Ordering number:AS23837

Katana: In Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Tsuba: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu)

Signature:Unsigned (attributed to Kongobyoe Moritaka)
無銘(金剛兵衛盛高)

According to our standards, this work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku (Superior Work) for Kongobyoe Moritaka.
Habaki: Single-layered silver
Blade Length: 75.7 cm (29.80 in)
Curvature: 2.0 cm (0.79 in)
Mekugi-ana: 3
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.1 cm (1.22 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.89 cm (0.74 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.62 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 780 g (1.72 lb)
Era: Nanbokucho Period, around Enbun Era (1368)
Shape:A suriage unsigned blade with a broad body, solid thickness, and deep curvature.
The kissaki is slightly elongated, showcasing the robust style of the Nanbokucho period.
Jigane:The itame hada is well-forged, with visible hada and some masame flowing patterns.
The steel shows a darker tone, resembling ancient koto works with a textured surface and utsuri.
Hamon:Nie-based suguha, with some subtle nijuba areas.
Active ashi and a vibrant hataraki throughout the hamon.
The boshi is midare-komi, ending in a ko-maru return.

Features:Kongobyoe refers to the lineage of Moritaka smiths from Chikuzen Province.
This lineage, active from the late Kamakura period to the late Muromachi period, produced many notable works in Kyushu.
Their signature traits include a darker jigane, visible hada with masame tendencies, and suguha hamon.
The nakago often features a distinctive "sotoba" shape, believed to be associated with religious purposes.
This school is thought to have connections to temple and shrine activities.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Iron with floral openwork design. Unsigned (attributed to Shoami). NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu.
Fuchi-Kashira: Shakudo with intricate patterns.
Saya: Black ishime lacquer with the upper portion wrapped in ray skin.
Kojiri: Shakudo with decorative motifs.
Menuki: Copper with engraved motifs.
Kozuka: Copper with a grass dragon Kurikara engraving.

Aoi Art’s Comment:This unsigned blade, attributed to Kongobyoe Moritaka, dates to the Nanbokucho period.
The visible hada, utsuri, deep curvature, and length of 75.7 cm make it a magnificent work.
Its robust shape and deep sori exude the grandeur of ancient koto swords.
The accompanying koshirae, including the Tokubetsu Kicho Tsuba, adds significant value to this piece.
This sword is highly recommended for collectors seeking historical and aesthetic value.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu(Tsuba)
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:900,000JPY

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