Ordering Number: AS26400

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Mumei (Attributed to Takada)
無銘(高田)

Sayagaki:　Echizen no Kuni Rai Kuniyasu,
O-suriage Mumei (Greatly Shortened and Unsigned).
Era: Around the Kakei era (1387–1389).
Blade Length: 2 shaku 2 sun 9 bu, approximately 69.39 cm (27.32 in).
Date: An auspicious day in January 2024.
Inscribed by: Bizan (Kao).

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This blade is ranked as Jyojyo Saku amongMumei (Attributed to Takada) swords.
Habaki: Wooden Habaki
Blade Length: 69.4 cm (27.32 in).
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.83 cm (1.11 in).
Width at Yokote: 1.97 cm (0.78 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.71 cm (0.28 in).
Sword Weight: 730 g.
Era: Muromachi period, around the Bunmei era (1469–1487).
Shape: Suriage mumei (shortened and unsigned).
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with a slightly pronounced grain pattern.
Hamon: Suguha with abundant ashi activity.
The boshi forms a rounded tip with a turnback.

Features: This is an unsigned blade from the Muromachi period, attributed to the Takada school.
Occasionally, we encounter exceptionally fine unsigned Takada blades whose workmanship is so outstanding that they could be mistaken for works of the Ichimonji school.
This demonstrates the high quality of workmanship often found among unsigned Takada blades.
We believe this particular sword was most likely made around the Bunmei era (1469–1487).

Historical Background: In 1467, the first year of the Onin era, Japan entered a period of prolonged conflict during the Muromachi period.
Disputes over succession to the Ashikaga shogunate, inheritance struggles within powerful daimyo families, and rivalries among influential military leaders developed into a major civil war that lasted approximately 11 years.
This conflict eventually paved the way for the Sengoku (Warring States) period.

Main Events of the Onin War:
- Causes of the Conflict: The succession dispute involving Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa coincided with a power struggle between Hosokawa Katsumoto, the Kanrei (shogunal deputy), and Yamana Sozen (Mochitoyo), a powerful shugo daimyo.
- Two Rival Armies: Daimyo from across Japan were divided into the Eastern Army, led by Hosokawa Katsumoto, and the Western Army, led by Yamana Sozen.
- Devastation of Kyoto: Kyoto became the principal battlefield, with numerous temples and residences destroyed by fire, leaving large parts of the city in ruins.

NBTHK Hozon Token.
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata.
Overseas shipping is charged separately.

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

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