TS057 Katana sword KO-UDA - Antique 1300s NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certificate

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Item# TS010
Antique Katana sword in Ornate Mounting
Kamakura Period (1300–1330s)
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certificated (Extremely Well Preserved certificate)

Swordsmith: Attributed to Ko-Uda (certified)

A quality Katana sword from SAMURAI STORE Tokyo.

Signature: Mumei (Unsigned), attributed to Ko-Uda
Province: Etchū Province (present Toyama Prefecture)
Period: Late Kamakura Period (c. 1300–1330 CE)
Certification: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon (Especially Worthy of Preservation)
Construction: Shinogi-zukuri, Ō-suriage nakago (greatly shortened tang) with Bo-Hi groove
Hamon: Fine Suguha (Thin straight temper line)

A Rare and Elegant Blade from the Early Uda School

The Uda School traces its origins to the swordsmith Kunimitsu, who is said to have migrated from Uda District in Yamato Province to Etchū Province during the late Kamakura (1200-1300s) period. Together with masters such as Kunimune, he established one of the most distinctive sword-making traditions of medieval Japan.

Works produced by the Uda School during the late Kamakura and Nanbokuchō periods are today collectively known as Ko-Uda (Old Uda) and are highly prized by collectors for their antiquity and historical importance. The school is particularly admired for its broad stylistic range, blending influences from the great traditions of Yamato, Yamashiro, and even Sōshū craftsmanship.

Ko-Uda blades are renowned for their well-forged jihada featuring flowing itame mixed with mokume and masame grain patterns, often displaying dynamic activities such as kinsuji, sunagashi, hotsure, and hakikake. Their steel frequently possesses a distinctive dark elegance that immediately distinguishes them from many contemporary schools.

An Elegant Expression of Yamato Tradition

This exceptional blade exhibits a beautifully compact and refined jihada with a clear appearance of shirake-utsuri, a highly desirable feature found in superior early Japanese swords. The hamon is a graceful and understated fine suguha, enlivened throughout by abundant sunagashi activities that sweep through the hardened edge.

Most striking is the refined NIE-based artistry that recalls the sophisticated aesthetic of the great Yamato traditions. The result is a sword of remarkable dignity and subtle beauty—an elegant survivor from the closing years of the Kamakura period and a superb representative of the highly respected Ko-Uda lineage.

For collectors seeking an authentic Kamakura-period sword with strong scholarly attribution, excellent preservation, and the prestigious NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon designation, this blade represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of early Japanese sword history.

Koshirae Ornate Mountings

Accompanying the blade is a tasteful koshirae that reflects the restrained elegance favored by the warrior class.

The tsuka is wrapped in aged khaki-brown silk over white samegawa, developing a rich patina through centuries of preservation. Beneath the wrapping are finely worked menuki depicting dragons, a traditional symbol of strength, wisdom, and divine protection.

The iron tsuba is of mokkō-gata form, featuring subtle brass inlay outlining the rim and central design. Its understated appearance embodies the refined aesthetic of the samurai, where craftsmanship and functionality were valued above ostentation.

The fuchi and kashira are decorated with delicate silver-inlaid scrolling motifs, providing a sophisticated contrast to the dark iron fittings. Together with the black lacquered saya, the mounting presents a dignified and harmonious appearance befitting an early koto-period blade.

Also Comes With:
Standard Sword Bag

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