Mumei Katana with Complete Koshirae - Tokyo Torokusho

Mumei Katana with Complete Koshirae

74.2 cm Nagasa · Tokyo Torokusho · Shakudō Dragon Fittings

An authentic Japanese mumei katana with a long 74.2 cm nagasa, preserved in complete koshirae and accompanied by its Japanese torokusho issued by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education. The sword comes with the Supein Nihonto Certificate of Authenticity, a copy of the Japanese registration document and a protective kimono or cotton storage bag.

This is a complete and well-presented katana, notable for its above-average blade length, sober classical geometry and attractive mounting with decorated lacquered saya, iron tsuba and shakudō fuchi-kashira with dragon motifs and gold inlays.

Documentation

The sword is accompanied by its Japanese torokusho, the official registration document for antique swords in Japan.

The document identifies the piece as a katana and records the following details:

• Document: 銃砲刀剣類登録証 — Registration certificate for firearms and swords
• Type: 刀 — Katana
• Nagasa: 74.2 cm
• Sori: 1.4 cm
• Mekugi-ana: Two
• Signature: 無銘 — Mumei, unsigned
• Issuing authority: Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education

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

The Blade (Tōshin)

This is a long katana with a nagasa of 74.2 cm and a sori of 1.4 cm. The blade presents an elongated and restrained sugata, with moderate curvature and a sober overall line. Its length is one of the main strengths of the piece, giving the sword presence and balance without relying on pronounced curvature.

The blade is made in shinogi-zukuri construction, with a defined shinogi, straight mune and proportionate kissaki. The geometry remains classical, with good longitudinal development and a clean transition toward the point.

The visible hamon is predominantly suguha, with slight natural variations along the cutting edge. The temper line remains continuous and clear, especially toward the monouchi and kissaki. This is not a flamboyant hamon with large undulations, but rather a controlled, regular and sober temper.

The surface of the blade shows proper preservation, with a polish sufficient to read the temper line and the overall form. The jihada is not fully legible from the available images, and for this reason it is not defined too specifically here.

The nakago shows an old dark-brown patina and two mekugi-ana, consistent with a blade that has been mounted more than once during its history. The sword is registered as mumei, or unsigned.

The Mounting (Koshirae)

The sword is preserved in complete koshirae, combining a decorated saya, light-coloured tsuka, iron tsuba and shakudō fittings with gold work.

The saya is lacquered in a dark tone and decorated with gilt vegetal and floral motifs arranged in a repeated pattern. The design combines radial flowers and stylised plant elements applied over a dark glossy ground. Surface wear consistent with age and use is visible, without disrupting the overall reading of the mounting.

The tsuka has beige or light-brown tsukamaki over samegawa visible through the wrapping diamonds. The ito shows age and handling while retaining its structure. Together with the ochre sageo, it creates a restrained chromatic continuity with the saya.

Fittings (Kodōgu)

The fuchi-kashira are made of shakudō and decorated with dragon motifs and gold inlays. The dark shakudō ground allows the relief and gilt details to stand out, particularly in the claws, outlines and ornamental areas of the design.

The dragon theme gives the mounting strong iconographic unity and places these fittings above a basic koshirae. Their dark patina, gold highlights and dynamic subject matter add both elegance and symbolic strength to the ensemble.

The tsuba is made of iron, with a simple form and dark brown patina. Its treatment is more austere than the rest of the koshirae, which works well within the ensemble: the saya and fuchi-kashira carry the main decorative work, while the tsuba preserves a sober martial presence.

The sageo is ochre-orange and remains tied around the saya.

Specifications

• Classification: Katana 刀
• Registration: Japanese Torokusho
• Issuing Authority: Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education
• Document Classification: 刀 — Katana
• Signature: Mumei / unsigned
• Nagasa: 74.2 cm
• Sori: 1.4 cm
• Mekugi-ana: Two
• Sugata: Shinogi-zukuri
• Hamon: Suguha with slight natural variations
• Nakago: Old dark-brown patina, two mekugi-ana
• Koshirae: Complete
• Saya: Dark lacquer with gilt vegetal and floral decoration
• Tsuka: Light-coloured tsukamaki over samegawa
• Fuchi-kashira: Shakudō with dragon motifs and gold inlays
• Tsuba: Iron with old dark patina
• Sageo: Ochre-orange
• Certificate: Supein Nihonto Certificate of Authenticity
• Accessories: Kimono or cotton storage bag included

Collector’s Value

This katana stands out for four main reasons: its long 74.2 cm nagasa, its Tokyo torokusho, its complete koshirae and its shakudō fittings decorated with dragon motifs and gold inlays.

The blade has above-average presence due to its length, while the moderate curvature keeps the silhouette controlled and dignified. The koshirae adds considerable interest through the combination of decorated lacquered saya, iron tsuba and shakudō fuchi-kashira.

Long, complete and attractively mounted, this mumei katana offers a strong balance between blade presence and decorative quality. With its 74.2 cm nagasa, Tokyo torokusho, complete koshirae, dragon-themed shakudō fittings and Supein Nihonto Certificate of Authenticity, it is a substantial and rewarding piece for both collection and display.