Mumei Kanetsune Katana in Shirasaya

Specifications

Type: Katana

Nakago: O-suriage Mumei

Period: Late Muromachi period

Attribution: Kanetsune (兼常)

Papers: NBTHK Hozon

Habaki: Silver habaki

Shirasaya: Included

Specifications:

Nagasa (Cutting-edge length): 63.4cm

Sori (Curvature): 0.9cm

Motohaba: 28.8mm

Sakihaba: 21.2mm

Motokasane: 6.5mm

Sakikasane: 4.9mm

Mekugi-ana: 1

Description:

An unsigned, greatly shortened katana attributed to Kanetsune (兼常) of Mino Province and dating to the late Muromachi period. Kanetsune belonged to the Nara branch of the Seki tradition and is described as one of the leading smiths of this lineage. The blade is accompanied by an NBTHK Hozon Tōken certificate confirming its attribution.

The blade is shinogi-zukuri, with a relatively high shinogi and a low iori-mune, and has a chu-kissaki.

The jihada consists principally of itame mixed with mokume, forming a relatively large and conspicuous grain pattern. Toward the cutting edge, strong flowing masame appears in pronounced wave-like patterns. There is abundant ji-nie, with plentiful chikei running through the steel, giving the jigane a lively and distinctive appearance. 

The hamon is principally suguha, interspersed with small gunome.

The bōshi differs somewhat between the two sides. On the omote it continues in a relatively straight manner, while on the ura it becomes more gunome-esque.