Description
Authentic Nihontō Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Kouda 古宇多 NBTHK TOKUBETSU HOZON TOKEN Certificate
The 宇多派 (Uda school) originated in the 文保 (Bunpo) era at the end of the 鎌倉時代 (Kamakura period) when 古入道国光 (Koinudo Kunimitsu) moved from 大和国宇陀郡 (Yamato Province, Uda District) to 越中 (Ecchu). During the 南北朝時代 (Nanbokucho period), smiths such as 国房 (Kunifusa), 国宗 (Kunitsugu), and 国次 (Kunitsugu) were active, and the same names continued to flourish through the late 室町時代 (Muromachi period).
Works from the late 鎌倉時代 to the 南北朝時代 are referred to as 古宇多 (Ko-Uda), while those from the 室町時代 are simply called 宇多 (Uda). The distinguishing features of this school include a style influenced by both 大和伝 (Yamato tradition) and 相州伝 (Soshu tradition). The steel (地鉄) often features a combination of 板目 (itame) and 杢目 (mokume) with somewhat large grain patterns, a slightly darkened hue, and a tendency to develop rust spots. The hamon is a straight tempering line (中直刃) with small, well-defined crystals (小沸), interspersed with kinsuji and sunagashi, giving the temper line a somewhat moist appearance.
This particular sword, despite being significantly shortened, remains sound and free of flaws. The steel, which combines 板目 (itame) and 杢目 (mokume), is exceptionally well-forged for the 宇多派 (Uda school), showing faint utsuri and entering chikei. The hamon is primarily straight (直刃調) with small gunome and waviness (湾れ), featuring prominent sunagashi along the edge, accompanied by yubashiri and utsuri-like patterns. The interior of the hamon displays intricate activity with small ashi. The boshi is straight with a rounded tip, extending all the way to the yokote on both sides.
Though the blade length is relatively short at 二尺一寸四分五厘 (approximately 64.9 cm), the quality of the steel and the overall craftsmanship make this an excellent piece for appreciation.
Bare weight: 631 grams.
Nihontō Information
Name 名称 | 無銘(古宇多) - Mumei(Kouda) |
Blade Length 刃長 | 二尺一寸四分五厘弱 / 65.0 cm |
Sori 反り | 五分七厘強 / 1.75 cm |
Blade Width 元幅 | 29.1 mm |
Blade Thickness 元重 | 6.65 mm |
Tip Width 先幅 | 物打22.7 mm 横手位置20.3 mm |
Tip Thickness 先重 | 物打5.0 mm 松葉位置4.4 mm |
Mekugi-ana 目釘穴 | 3個 |
Age 時代 | 鎌倉末期 The last years of Kamakura era (13th to 14th century) |
Certificate 鑑定書 | 特別保存刀剣鑑定書(NBTHK TOKUBETSU HOZON TOKEN Certificate) |
Registration 登録 | 平成17年9月15日 福岡県登録 Registered on September 15, 2005 in Fukuoka Prefecture |
Included 附属 | 素銅地金着はばき Copper habaki with gilding |
白鞘 Shirasaya Case | |