A SUPERB SUE BIZEN KATANA IN SHIRASAYA WITH NBTHK CERTIFICATE, MUROMACHI PERIOD Japan, late Muromachi period (1336-1572) Of classic form with shinogi-zukuri and iori mune, elegantly curved and very finely incised with horimono on both sides, showing a sword with a straight blade and a kongo (vajra) handle as well as flaming elements on one side and a symmetrically looped rope with a blade-like tip - this Buddhist motif is known as kensaku - on the other. The hamon shows distinctive gunome with choji, the hada with mokume. The nakago (tang) with two mekugi-ana and no yasurime, the tip is kirijiri. Accompanied by a Hozon (worthy of preservation) certificate from the NBTHK attesting to the sword's quality and authenticity and attributing this sword to the Sue Bizen school. NAGASA 68.2 cm, blade LENGTH 88.2 cm, total LENGTH 100 cm Condition: The blade is in excellent condition with very minor surface wear. Provenance: Hungarian private collection.