Muromachi Period Katana

Den Kongō-Byōe

Tenbun Era (1532–1555) – Chikuzen Province

With Restored Koshirae

NTHK Kanteisho (2022)

There is a distinct presence to a true Muromachi blade.

This katana is attributed by NTHK to Den Kongō-Byōe, dating to the Tenbun era (1532–1555), forged during the height of the Sengoku period — when swords were instruments of survival, not display.

Unsigned (mumei), as many authentic battlefield blades of the era are, it carries the quiet authority of nearly five centuries of preservation.

The Blade

The sugata reflects mid-16th century practicality — balanced and purposeful.

The jigane shows tight mokume / itame hada with visible standing grain. The hamon is primarily suguha with restrained midare, consistent with early Chikuzen workmanship. The boshi presents in rounded yakizume style.

This is not a flamboyant Edo piece.

It is honest Sengoku-era steel — sound, restrained, and historically grounded.

Restored Koshirae

The sword is mounted in complete koshirae that has been professionally restored for structural integrity and long-term preservation.

• Matching menuki

• Traditional tsukamaki

• Iron tsuba with age character

• Lacquered saya in restored condition

The mounts present cohesively and allow the blade to be appreciated as a unified historical object.

Condition

• Blade structurally sound

• Healthy sugata

• Boshi intact

• No fatal flaws observed

• Surface condition appropriate for age

• Mounts stable and restored

Minor signs of age are present, as expected of a blade approaching 500 years old, but nothing detracts from its integrity.

Perspective

Tenbun-era blades are finite. Properly attributed Muromachi examples with papers and complete mounts are increasingly absorbed into long-term collections.

This is a sword meant for a serious collector — someone who understands that ownership of a piece like this is temporary stewardship.

Nearly five centuries have passed.

It is ready for its next chapter.