Ordering Number: AS26276

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (Iwai Kishinmaro Masatoshi)
無銘(岩井鬼晋麿正俊)

Sayagaki: Attributed to Masao. A nagamaki-naoshi of superior quality (third rank). Blade length: 2 shaku 4 sun 6 bu. Inscribed on March 3, 1943, by Hon'ami Kōson (kaō).

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This blade is ranked as Jyo Saku among works attributed to Mumei (Iwai Kishinmaro Masatoshi).
Habaki:Silver single Habaki.
Blade Length: 74.5 cm (29.33 in).
Curvature: 2.0 cm (0.79 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.34 cm (1.31 in).
Width at Yokote: 2.58 cm (1.02 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.73 cm (0.29 in).
Sword Weight: 775 g.
Era: Around the Bunkyū era (1861–1864), Edo period.
Shape: A powerful blade with a wide mihaba, featuring a naginata-hi-style groove near the base and a long kissaki.
Jigane: Well-aligned masame hada.
Hamon: Continuous ko-gunome-midare. The pattern continues into the kissaki, where the boshi turns back sharply with a deep return. Abundant sunagashi and long kinsuji, together with finer kinsuji, are active within the hamon.

Features: Although unsigned, this blade has been attributed to Iwai Kishinmaro Masatoshi. His works are well known for their close resemblance to those of Kiyomaro and are reputed for their excellent cutting performance. This blade likewise strongly reflects Kiyomaro's style. The ko-gunome-midare is enlivened by long and fine kinsuji within the hamon, while the large boshi and elongated kissaki are especially impressive. One distinguishing feature separating it from Kiyomaro's work is the pronounced masame hada visible in the jigane.

Historical Background: The Bunkyū era (1861–1864) was one of the most turbulent periods of the late Edo era, marked by the rise of the Sonnō Jōi movement and conflicts surrounding the opening of Japan to the West. Major events included the Tsushima Incident (1861), in which a Russian warship occupied Tsushima; the Sakashita Gate Incident, the Teradaya Incident, and the Namamugi Incident (all 1862), the latter leading to the Anglo-Satsuma War; and the Kinmon Incident (Hamaguri Gate Rebellion), during which Chōshū forces attacked Kyoto, resulting in fierce fighting around the Imperial Palace.

NBTHK Hozon Token.
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata.

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

Auction Starting Price:450,000JPY

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