Mumei Ayanokoji Joshu Sueyuki Katana, Kamakura Period, in Koshirae with Shirasaya

Type: Katana

Nakago: O-suriage Mumei

Period: Late Kamakura period, ca. 1300–1310 AD

Papers: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon

Horimono: None

Habaki: Gold plated

Koshirae: Yes, with shirasaya

Specifications:

Nagasa (Cutting-edge length): 63.03cm

Sori (Curvature): To be measured

Motohaba: To be measured

Sakihaba: To be measured

Construction: Shinogi-zukuri, chu-kissaki

Description:

Attributed to Ayanokoji Joshu Sueyuki and authenticated by NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers. This is an o-suriage mumei katana attributed to the late Kamakura-period smith Sueyuki, who belonged to the Ayanokoji school of Yamashiro Province and was active around the Kagen era (1303–1306).

Ayanokoji Joshu Sueyuki belonged to the Ayanokoji school, one of the early sword-making traditions of Kyoto, and is traditionally regarded as a follower of Ayanokoji Sadatoshi. His workmanship belongs to the classical Yamashiro-den tradition, and surviving works attributed to Sueyuki are relatively rare. His reputation is further demonstrated by several blades that have achieved Juyo Token status.

The sword has a predominantly suguha-based hamon with a clearly visible nioi-guchi. The jihada is well forged in itame with a lot of masame and areas of mokume. The overall hataraki of the sword is absolutely stunning, with some sunagashi patters that are truly remarkable. There is also utsuri nicely visible on the sword.

The sword is in good condition and healthy but in slightly older polish, which makes the sword a little more difficult to easily read. But when observed under light is absolutely stunning. There is no damage to the cutting edge or active rust, the sword is in good condition ready to be loved.

The sword is accompanied by both a shirasaya and a koshirae, which was more or less assembled for this sword. The saya is a little too long, but the sword fits nicely in the Koshirae. Which was mostly made in the late-edo period.