Nihonto katana in Koshirae

Description

ITEM DESCRIPTION:

Comes with kimono or cotton bag. Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto. Comes with original prefecture certificate.

 

Torokusho (Registration Certificate) Translation

Registration number: Tokyo No. 153202
Category: Sword (Katana)
Blade length: 67.8 cm
Curvature (sori): 1.28 cm
Mekugi-ana: 2
Signature: Mumei (unsigned)
Date of issue: March 6th, 2022 (Reiwa 4)
Issuing authority: Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education

This sword is officially registered in Tokyo as a mumei katana, measuring 67.8 cm with a 1.28 cm sori and two mekugi-ana, issued on March 6th, 2022.

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Description of the complete piece (koshirae + blade)

Koshirae – Edo period mounting

A harmonious Edo-period koshirae of very good craftsmanship, unified by an elegant animal theme.

Tsuka

• Natural samegawa with large nodules.

• Green-olive tsuka-ito, tightly wrapped.

• Menuki: horses and equestrian motifs, in dark alloy with gold accents — uncommon and refined.

Fuchi-kashira

• Copper alloy with golden textured surface.

• Relief decoration depicting small rodents on branches, with gold inlay details.

• Finely executed Edo workmanship.

Tsuba

• Iron mokko-gata tsuba with carved and pierced motifs.

• Signed, though attribution cannot be confirmed from the visible inscription.

• Warm patina and a balanced, understated aesthetic.

Saya

• Dark brown lacquered saya with glossy finish.

• Green sageo, well preserved.

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Blade (mumei)

Measurements

• Nagasa: 67.8 cm

• Sori: 1.28 cm

• Mekugi-ana: 2

Sugata

• Elegant curvature, well-proportioned shape, medium-size kissaki.

Hamon

• A smooth notare line, consistent and well defined along the edge.

Hada

• Visible itame mixed with mokume, typical of stable Edo work.

Condition

• Recently polished, showing clear hamon and hada.

• No visible flaws; well-preserved nakago with proper patina.

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3. Historical and aesthetic narrative

This Edo-period mumei katana presents a harmonious blend between a clean, functional blade and a refined, thematically unified koshirae.
The equestrian motif —present in the menuki and echoed in other fittings— suggests a samurai with military or messenger background, or a family of notable status.

The fine reliefs, controlled use of gold, and overall coherence indicate a commissioned koshirae of higher-than-average quality.

The signed tsuba contributes artistic value without creating inconsistencies in the overall composition.

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4. Technical sheet