#42) Mumei Motoshige Juyo Token Katana

 Nagasa: 69.5cm

Motohaba: 2.9cm

Sakihaba: 1.95

Koshi zori: 1.8cm

Certificate: NBTHK Juyo Token

In the books this smith is listed as being from the late Kamakura jidai into the Nambokucho era. He is classified as an Osafune katana kaji and two generations exist. He is supposed to be one of the 3 students of Sadamune but I have never owned one or saw one that showed Soshu traits or what could be called Soden Bizen. I guess the shape could push the blades either way and while this kissaki is slightly elongated I think this piece is closer to Kamakura era and pure Bizen in make up. Sword nagasa (length) is 69.5cm. The motohaba is 2.9cm and saki haba is 1.95 cm with a koshi zori of 1.8cm. The sugata and the heft of the blade is very impressive and exudes power when held in the hand. I think this piece is Motoshige Shodai and one should look at the Shodai in the Nihon to Koza book page 299 with a monouchi and boshi just like this zufu drawing. This piece has a chu kissaki, itame and masame hada with a midare utsuri that is strong from top to bottem of the blade. The hamon is chu suguba with some kogunome mixed in. it is made up of nioi habuchi with ko nie through out.  This wonderful sword comes with a koshirae and old kiri wood box. In kiriwood shirasaya. In polish. Koshirare is black lacquer saya with autumn floral motif sword fittings. A very good collectible set for anyones sword collection.

We are offering this sword well below the market value priced at only $28,000.