Ordering Number: AS26227

Katana: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (Unsigned)(Osafune Morishige)
無銘(長船盛重)

Chuko-to : Wazamono (sharp sword) : Bizen
We classify swords into Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku based on the swordsmith's skill.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Mumei (Unsigned)(Osafune Morishige).
Habaki: Solid gold single habaki 37grams
Blade Length: 64.4 cm (25.35 in)
Curvature: 2.0 cm (0.79 in)
Mekugi Hole: 3
Width at Base: 2.89 cm (1.14 in)
Width at Tip: 1.81 cm (0.71 in)
Thickness: 0.78 cm (0.31 in)
Blade Weight: 675 grams (g)
Era: 1429, Eikyo era, 597 years ago
Shape: A katana of well-proportioned form — ordinary mihaba and kasane, of normal length, with deep curvature and an extended kissaki.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada mixed with mokume hada, forming a beautiful jigane in which utsuri appears — a refined, high-quality steel.
Hamon: A hamon reminiscent of the Ichimonji school — choji-midare mixed with gunome-midare.
The boshi becomes midarekomi, and on closer inspection kinsuji are active.

Features: Ryo-Wazamono (good cutting sword) : Chuko-to : Jyo Saku.
Osafune Morishige is said to have been the son of Morimitsu, a leading smith of Oei-Bizen.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: A vertically-oval iron tsuba, a work in the Soten style with karako (Chinese children) figures.
The rim has a gold fukurin (rim covering).
The figures are rendered in openwork (sukashi-bori) and decorated with iroe in gold, silver, and copper.
Fuchikashira: Cranes and a landscape carved on a shakudo-nanako base, decorated with iroe in gold.
Saya: Black saya.
Menuki: A design of Daikokuten (?) carved and decorated with gold iroe.

Aoi Art's Comment: A finely-made work with choji-midare that at first glance could even be taken for Ichimonji.
The boshi is midarekomi, and utsuri appears.
This is a work that surpasses Morishige's usual standard.
The jigane is well-forged, and the hada is clearly visible.
On detailed examination, fine kinsuji can be seen running through.
The koshirae too is solidly made.
If you would like the tsuka to be rewrapped, we can arrange this service for an additional 35,000 yen.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata

Please note: the price does not include the shipping fees.

Auction Starting Price:2,000,000JPY

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