Mumei Attributed to Tametsugu Katana
無名　為継　刀
Item TK036

Period：Koto -late Kamakura period (13th century) to the early Nanbokucho period (14th century).
Designation: Tokubetsu Hozon
Mei (Signature): Mumei
Nakago - 21cm - O-Suriage Mumei - 3 Mekugi Ana
Nagasa - 67.3cm
Sori - 1.6cm
Motohaba - 3cm
Sakihaba - 2.3cm
Kissaki - 4.5cm
Motokasane - 0.7

¥ 2,000,000

Tametsugu (為継) – Master Swordsmith of the Soshu Tradition

Tametsugu (為継) was an esteemed swordsmith active during the Nanbokuchō period (1336–1392), traditionally regarded as the son of the legendary Gō Yoshihiro—one of the ten celebrated disciples of Masamune (正宗十哲). Though Gō Yoshihiro’s life was brief, his influence was profound, and Tametsugu is believed to have continued his father’s legacy by studying under another of Masamune’s disciples, Norishige.

Tametsugu’s blades are renowned for their powerful expression of the Sōshū tradition. His works often feature dynamic notare hamon, chikei (dark streaks in the steel), and a jihada thick with ji-nie—hallmarks of high-level Sōshū craftsmanship. These features reflect the deep influence of both Gō Yoshihiro and Norishige in his technique and aesthetic.

Although he began his career in Echizen Province, Tametsugu later relocated to Mino. Many of his blades are unsigned (mumei) due to their age and shortening over time, but they are confidently attributed to him based on their workmanship and distinctive characteristics.

This blade is constructed in shinogi-zukuri with an iori-mune. The blade is wide at the mihaba, with only a very slight taper towards the kissaki, remaining notably broad at the sakihaba. The kissaki is an extended chū-kissaki, contributing to the overall impression of power and robust construction - Thus, exhibiting a bold and powerful sugata typical of the Nanbokuchō-period.

The jihada is highly characteristic of Tametsugu’s work, featuring a well-forged combination of itame-hada and mokume-hada. These grain patterns interweave seamlessly across the surface, producing a rich and dynamic texture. The hada is active and expressive, reflecting the refined forging skill associated with this smith and adding significant visual depth to the blade.

The hamon is a well-executed notare, displaying a flowing and undulating pattern with abundant internal activity. The hardened edge is rich in hataraki, with sunagashi and kinsuji appearing prominently, weaving in and out of the hamon and adding a strong sense of movement and vitality. These activities create a dynamic and lively appearance.

This is a bold and magnifiscent Soshu-den Koto piece from the Nanbokucho Period made by an excellent Master smith. Comes with Solid Silver Habaki.