Mumei Nanbokucho Echizen Rai Tokubetsu Hozon Katana in Shirasaya 69,2CM nagasa (EU)

Lexvdjagt

Posted November 21

- Report

Posted November 21

I am hereby offering this Echizen Rai katana.

Specifications:

Blade Length (Nagasa): 69.2 cm
Curvature (Sori): 2.1 cm
Mekugi-ana: 2
Nakago: Ō-suriage, mumei

Dimensions:

Motohaba: ~31.3 mm
Motokasane: ~6.8 mm
Sakihaba: ~24.3 mm
Sakikasane: ~5.3 mm

Bare Blade Weight: approx. 737.6 g
Type: Shinogi-zukuri

Blade Description:
A stunning Nanbokucho period katana attributed to the Echizen Rai (越前来) school with recent NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers, and previously attributed to Sa Kunihiro (左国弘) by Tokubetsu Kichō papers. Both attributions place this sword solidly in the Nanbokucho period. Although this sword clearly is not the work of Sa Kunihiro, the old paper was still preserved. I find it interesting to see how older NBTHK papers can differ from new papers.

The blade exhibits classic Nanbokucho characteristics, including a wide Motohaba and longer kissaki.
The jigane tight itame in certain areas, which can be well observed in some of my images. There is also Mokume, and overall Jigane that reflects previous older Rai works. There are sections where the hada stands out more prominently. Ji-nie is present throughout, giving the steel surface a rich, textured appearance.

The hamon is a suguha-notare temper with activity visible, a lot of nie can be observed. See my Hamon images for a proper idea of the hataraki.
The bōshi is Omaru, and is still very visible.

The nakago is ō-suriage, typical for early Nanbokuchō swords, with two mekugi-ana.
The sword is fitted with a habaki and comes in shirasaya (with reinforcing tape applied).

Condition

Some scratches can be observed, with one longer scratch visible on the images; all flaws have been photographed and are visible on the images. The scratches are shallow and do not distract from the blade itself. There are no significant ware of imperfections on the blade. It is a very clean Nanbokucho Echizen Rai blade that is ready to be appreciated.

Image disclaimer

The overview images of the entire blade had their background removed. Please do not use these images as a reference for the condition of the blade, as they have been altered. All other images are unaltered. Sometimes my camera can be seen in the reflection of the blade in the bohi. These are not imperfections.