Description
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
Comes with kimono or cotton bag. Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto. Comes with original prefecture certificate. Comes with NBTHK Hozon.
Katana attributed to the Sue-Bizen School (末備前) – Late Muromachi Period
Torokusho Translation
Registration Number: Hyōgo No. 110525
Type: Katana (刀)
Blade Length: 60.3 cm
Curvature (Sori): 2.0 cm
Mekugi-ana: 2
Signature: 無銘 (Mumei)
Date of Registration: March 21, Heisei 8 (1996)
NBTHK Hozon Token Certificate No. 349720
This official NBTHK certificate attributes the blade to the Sue-Bizen school (末備前) — the late Bizen tradition active during the late Muromachi period (16th century).
The Hozon Token designation recognizes it as a “Sword Worthy of Preservation,” confirming both its authenticity and artistic merit.
Professional Description
This katana, attributed to the Sue-Bizen school, features a 60.3 cm blade with a graceful 2.0 cm curvature, embodying the refined lines typical of high-grade Muromachi craftsmanship.
The jihada displays a finely forged itame-hada mixed with mokume, clearly visible thanks to an exceptional professional polish. The hamon is a gentle notare-midare wave pattern, bright and consistent, showing fine nioi with inner activities such as ashi and yo. These characteristics are emblematic of late Bizen works, balancing beauty and battle-readiness.
The nakago shows its original patina and two mekugi-ana, consistent with 16th-century workmanship.
Its koshirae is a harmonious Edo-period mounting: glossy black lacquered saya, dark brown tsuka-ito over white samegawa, metal menuki with botanical motifs, fuchi/kashira adorned with golden chrysanthemums, and an iron tsuba with geometric openwork. The entire mounting radiates restrained elegance and timeless dignity.
The hada is lively and textured, enhanced by a superb polish that reveals every layer of the steel. The hamon shines with great contrast, proof of masterful tempering and excellent preservation. Accompanied by its shirasaya and official NBTHK and torokusho documents, this katana stands as a splendid representative of the late Bizen legacy and Edo aesthetic refinement.
Technical Sheet
Attribute Detail
Period Edo (forged in late Muromachi, Sue-Bizen lineage)
School Sue-Bizen (末備前)
Signature Mumei
Blade Length 60.3 cm
Curvature (Sori) 2.0 cm
Mekugi-ana 2
Hamon Notare-midare
Hada Itame with mokume, vividly defined
Mounting Full koshirae + shirasaya
Certificate NBTHK Hozon Token No. 349720
Registration Hyōgo No. 110525
