Wakizashi, Mumei (Hiromitsu)

 
This wakizashi is a very good blade, though it is tired. The particles of hamon and steel is excellent. That looks Soshu tradition in Namboku-cho period, for example Hiromitsu or some other smiths around him.
 
The tang is originally unsigned. It is formed as Soshu tradition in 14th century, and its condition is very natural as it doesn't look fake.

 
On the blade, we can find two kind of steels, a rough layer area and a fine area. The rough layer area may be a core steel of Kobuse construction. The fine steel must be an outer steel. The fine steel has an amazing appearance by effect of steel particles. The gradation of the particles make an appearance as large midare utsuri pattern, but not same to one by Bizen tradition. The gradation of thick steel particles is an appearance of Soshu tradition before 14th century.







 
The hamon doesn't exist enough. It has worn out in some part near the tang. But the Nie (large particles) of hamon is very bright. It can be found in Soshu tradition.








The polishing is very good as the appearance is brought honestly, but the surface has many small scratches come from long time treatment. I am afraid if new polish would mask this fantastic appearance.
 
The habaki is silver foiled double pieces. It doesn't have good fit with the blade, because the blade is tired.
 
 
This blade is a good sample to study good koto blades. When you understand the quality of this blade, most of Shinto/Shin-shinto would look like children's play.
This blade will bring you to the entrance of nirvana.
 
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