Japanese Katana. Mihara (Chu). Muromachi Period 1394-1429

Mihara (Chû ) - NBTHK Hozon Paper

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Muromachi Period - 応永 1394 - 1429

Signature: Mumei - Unsigned (Mihara - attribution by NBTHK)

NBTHK HOZON CERTIFICATE # 3014822
A sword designated as Worthy of Conservation by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword.
This is no small task to achieve. It is not uncommon for a sword dealer to submit ten swords for judgement and only receive two HOZON sword approvals.

Fujishiro Ranking : Jo Saku (Superior made)

Blade is polished

Nagasa (Length): 69.7 cm
Sori (Curvature) : 1.8 cm
Mekugi: 2
Width at hamachi: 3.1 cm
Width at kissaki: 2.0 cm
Saki Kasane: 5mm
Jigane: Itame
Hamon: Sugaha


Koshirae:
#1 Tsuba: Maru gata Iron .
Signed: Shoami Shigenobu. Edo Period

#2 Tsuba: Katana currently dressed with “Dragon in Waves with gold highlights.
To purchase this superb Dragon Tsuba; an additional $1,000.

Fuchi kashira: Fuchi - Dragon in clouds
Menuki: Shakudo - Gold Dragon
Saya: Black
Shirasaya:

A$10,950

This blade was produced in Bingo Province AD 1394 to 1427.

The Mihara School, whose forge was located at Kokubunji Temple in Bingo Province, was founded by Uemonnojô Masaiye at the end of the Kamakura period.
It is divided into three distinct periods: Until the Oei era (1394), the work of this school is named « Ko Mihara », « Chû Mihara » from the Oei era (1394) to Eikyo (1429) and « Sue Mihara » for those forged later until the Edo period.

Masahiro was the son of Masaiye, also called Saemonnojô just like his father. They were both the most representative blacksmiths of this school.

In his book, Fujishiro even thinks that this school is probably much older. He tells us that a Meikan article talks about a first generation of Masaiye around Tenpyo (729). This is very interesting because Mihara Masaiye would be at the origin of the rebirth of an old lost tradition of making swords …

It is also commonly accepted that Mihara School was influenced by Yamato and Aoe.
We can see very similar characteristics. It has also kept a very conservative style throughout its history.
The works in ko-Mihara are reputed to be of high quality and historically important, so much so that a significant number of them, mainly Mumei, were certified Juyo Token by the NBTHK.
Irrefutable proof that this school occupies a place of choice in the history of the Japanese sword.

This superb sword was first registered. Showa 60 year - 1985 7 month 25 day.
An indication that is was in the possession of the former owners for generations, passed down as a family heirloom.