Antique Mumei Katana in Koshirae - Japanese Nihontō

Japanese Katana Nihontō in Koshirae

Antique Mumei Katana · Complete Koshirae · Kanagawa Torokusho

An elegant antique Japanese katana with a full-length blade, mounted in a complete and sober koshirae. This well-balanced nihontō displays a bold, clearly visible undulating hamon, refined shakudō fittings and powerful Kurikara dragon symbolism. Registered in Japan with its original torokusho, the sword is accompanied by the Supein Nihonto Certificate of Authenticity, a copy of the registration document and a protective kimono or cotton storage bag.

This is a handsome and harmonious example of an antique Japanese sword, suitable both for serious collecting and refined display. Its combination of a lively blade, complete traditional mounting and symbolic Buddhist fittings gives the piece strong visual and cultural appeal.

The Blade (Tōshin)

The blade shows a well-balanced sugata with moderate curvature and a proportionate kissaki. With a nagasa of 69.2 cm, it has the presence and elegance expected of a full-length katana.

Its most striking feature is the bold and beautifully visible hamon. The temper line appears as an irregular and flowing gunome-midare / notare-midare, with strong, well-marked peaks moving dynamically along the ha. This lively hamon catches the light beautifully and rewards close study.

The nakago preserves a deep, dark patina and shows two mekugi-ana, indicating that the blade has been mounted across different stages of its long working life. In accordance with the Japanese registration, the blade is mumei, or unsigned.

The Mounting (Koshirae)

The katana is presented in a complete koshirae of refined and understated taste. The saya is finished in glossy black lacquer, giving the mounting a clean, elegant and sober appearance.

The sageo, in gold and black tones, adds a discreet contrast without disturbing the overall harmony of the sword. The tsuka is mounted with white samegawa and black tsuka-ito in a traditional composition, with the menuki visible on both sides of the hilt.

The overall impression is balanced, dignified and highly suitable for display.

Fittings (Kodōgu)

The fuchi-kashira are crafted in shakudō, displaying a deep dark patina with landscape decoration combining architectural and natural motifs in gold and contrasting metal. Shakudō, a traditional copper alloy containing a small percentage of gold, is among the most appreciated materials used in Japanese sword fittings, valued for its rich dark surface and visual depth.

The menuki depict the powerful Kurikara motif: a dragon coiled around a straight ritual sword, or ken, enriched with gold details. Drawn from esoteric Buddhist symbolism, Kurikara represents protective power and the union of the sacred blade with the dragon, making it an especially appropriate theme for a katana.

The tsuba is circular and made of iron, with restrained decoration and small gold accents. Its classical and controlled design balances the ensemble beautifully.

Documentation

This katana is accompanied by its original Japanese torokusho, the official registration certificate for Japanese swords, issued in Kanagawa Prefecture. The registration identifies the sword as a katana, with a blade length of 69.2 cm, a curvature of 1.3 cm, two mekugi-ana and no signature.

Also included are the Supein Nihonto Certificate of Authenticity, a copy of the Japanese torokusho and a protective kimono or cotton storage bag.

Specifications

• Classification: Katana 刀
• Signature: Mumei / unsigned
• Nagasa: 69.2 cm
• Sori: 1.3 cm
• Mekugi-ana: Two
• Hamon: Gunome-midare / Notare-midare
• Nakago: Mumei, two mekugi-ana, dark patina
• Mounting: Complete koshirae
• Saya: Glossy black lacquer
• Tsuka: White samegawa with black tsuka-ito
• Fuchi-kashira: Shakudō with landscape decoration
• Menuki: Kurikara dragon and ken motif with gold details
• Tsuba: Circular iron tsuba with restrained decoration and gold accents
• Registration: Japanese Torokusho, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Documentation: Original Japanese Torokusho and copy included
• Certificate: Supein Nihonto Certificate of Authenticity
• Accessories: Kimono or cotton storage bag included

Collector’s Value

This is a complete and well-balanced mumei katana with a full-length 69.2 cm blade and a bold, clearly visible undulating hamon. Its strong visual presence is enhanced by a refined full koshirae of genuine quality, including shakudō fuchi-kashira, Kurikara dragon menuki, an iron tsuba and a glossy black-lacquered saya.

The combination of a lively blade, sober mounting, symbolic fittings and official Japanese registration makes this katana especially attractive for collectors seeking an authentic antique Japanese sword with both aesthetic and cultural depth.

Elegant, complete and highly displayable, this antique mumei katana offers a compelling balance of blade quality, traditional mounting and symbolic power. With its bold hamon, refined shakudō fittings, Kurikara dragon motif and Japanese torokusho documentation, it is a strong and harmonious piece for both serious collection and refined presentation.