Opinions on this mumei katana (with koshirae)

[akasher]

Hi all

 

I’m new here so feel free to let me know if this is posted in the wrong place. 
 

I’ve been watching a few sites for a number of months now waiting for something of interest and seem to have come across one that’s in my price range and aesthetically what I’m looking for. 
 

It’s a mumei blade with old papers and I know Aoi is a reputable dealer, but am pretty much just wondering if anyone has more insight into this katana and koshirae above what is stated in the listing. 
 

From what I’ve seen bohi on koto katana seem to be a quite a bit less common than on blades after that period, but there’s no mention of it being a later modification to the original sword, nor does it appear to be. 
 

https://sword-auction.com/en/product/25432/as23735-katana：mumei-shimosaka-nbthk-hozon-token-mumei-ujifusa-nbthk-tokubetsu-kicho-token-koshirae-nbthk-tokubetsu-kicho-tosogu/

 

Thanks in advance! 

 

 

[Ian B3HR2UH]

If you are looking to pay that sort of money do yourself a favor and have a serious look at the Kunikiyo katana that is for sale on this site where the price has just been dropped to $4250

[akasher]

4 minutes ago, Ian B3HR2UH said:

If you are looking to pay that sort of money do yourself a favor and have a serious look at the Kunikiyo katana that is for sale on this site where the price has just been dropped to $4250

It's a beautiful sword, but I'm specifically looking for a blade that has accompanying koshirae as well. 

From what you're implying it seems like you think the one I linked is over priced? 

[lonely panet]

Unsigned ubu katana with old papers isnt great and that dealer is known for modifying koshirae and fittings to make something more appealing.

 

 

Because for some silly reason Western collectors wont buy a good sword in shirasaya. But are happy to consider a lower level sword if its mounted 

[Lexvdjagt]

8 hours ago, akasher said:

Hi all

 

I’m new here so feel free to let me know if this is posted in the wrong place. 
 

I’ve been watching a few sites for a number of months now waiting for something of interest and seem to have come across one that’s in my price range and aesthetically what I’m looking for. 
 

It’s a mumei blade with old papers and I know Aoi is a reputable dealer, but am pretty much just wondering if anyone has more insight into this katana and koshirae above what is stated in the listing. 
 

From what I’ve seen bohi on koto katana seem to be a quite a bit less common than on blades after that period, but there’s no mention of it being a later modification to the original sword, nor does it appear to be. 
 

https://sword-auction.com/en/product/25432/as23735-katana：mumei-shimosaka-nbthk-hozon-token-mumei-ujifusa-nbthk-tokubetsu-kicho-token-koshirae-nbthk-tokubetsu-kicho-tosogu/

 

Thanks in advance! 

 

 

I find the blade overpriced for a late koto unsigned katana attributed to Shimosaka (on the newly issued Hozon papers). Shimosaka is generally not a desirable attribution. Furthermore, the blade is in an older polish, with all kinds of scratches and damage. I would suggest buying a different Katana at this price point. I will send you a few suggestions in your DM.

 

Greetings,

Lex

 

[Shugyosha]

I think the late muromachi period might be a bit of a stretch with the new papers too. Had I seen that blade without knowing what Aoi had said, from the shape and condition (leaving aside the state of polish) I would have said shinto all day long. 
 

It might be what Aoi say it is in this regard but (for me anyway) I’d say later. 

[sabiji]

The mount has old papers, but the ratio of the Koiguchi-Fuchi proportions still bothers me. Something is not right.
I also tend to favour the new Hozon. The blade is more typical of Shimosaka than Hida kami Ujifusa.

But never mind.

 

I'm more surprised by Tsuruta-san's eyesight. Where does he see a turtle in the menuki? 

 

Typical menuki for ikebana friends...

[Shugyosha]

2 hours ago, sabiji said:

The mount has old papers, but the ratio of the Koiguchi-Fuchi proportions still bothers me. Something is not right..

 

Being generous, it might just be some shrinkage of the same/ wrap as it has moved around the peg hole too. Being less generous, it looks like someone has coloured the wood with black ink to try to hide what has happened and it doesn't look very good.