Antique Japanese Katana Sword attribued to Fuyuhiro, Muromachi Period - Hozon

• Signature (Mei): Mumei (attributed to 冬広 Fuyuhiro)
• School / Tradition: Mino-den (Fuyuhiro lineage)
• Period / Province: Muromachi period / (450-500 years old) - Wakasa province
• Certificate: NBTHK Hozon (保存刀剣)
• Mounting: Edo-style koshirae; copper habaki
• Blade Length (Nagasa): 66.9 cm
• Curvature (Sori): 1.6 cm
• Mekugi-ana: 2
• Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, chu-kissaki
• Hamon: Gentle midare with nie activity
• Jihada: Ko-itame, even and well-forged
• Shirasaya: Not shown / not newly made
• Condition: Very good; healthy geometry with clear hamon and jihada

A well-balanced katana of the Fuyuhiro line, authenticated by NBTHK Hozon and legally registered in Tokyo. Though mumei, the workmanship—calm midare hamon in a bright nioi/nie mix, tight ko-itame jihada, and a dignified shinogi-zukuri with chu-kissaki—supports the attribution to the prolific Fuyuhiro lineage of the Muromachi era. Dimensions (nagasa 66.9 cm, sori 1.6 cm) yield a nimble yet authoritative feel typical of practical Mino fighting swords.

The blade presents in very good condition, with a healthy edge and readable activities along the ha, making it a rewarding study and a reliable representative of Muromachi-period Mino workmanship.

The accompanying koshirae is tasteful and cohesive in dark tones with gilt accents:

• Tsuba: Iron sukashi guard of scrolling tendrils and foliage with traces of gilt, airy and elegant.
• Fuchi–Kashira: Shakudō with high-relief dragon-in-clouds motif, gilt highlights and fine carving.
• Tsuka: Black silk ito over white samegawa; tight wrap with prominent nodes.
• Menuki: Gold dragon menuki, placed for both grip and ornament.
• Saya: Gloss black lacquer saya (paired with dark fittings); classic, formal presentation.
• Habaki: Solid copper habaki with crisp yasurime.

Background

This katana is attributed to Fuyuhiro (冬廣), a smith active during the Tenshō era (1573–1592, late Muromachi period). The Fuyuhiro line traces back to the mid–Muromachi period, when the first-generation Fuyuhiro—believed to be the son of Sōshū Hirotsugu (2nd generation), a prominent smith of the Sōshū tradition in today’s Kanagawa Prefecture—established himself as an independent master. Around the 1460s, he relocated to Wakasa Province (modern Fukui Prefecture), carrying with him the refined techniques of the Sōshū-den, one of the five classical forging traditions (Gokaden).

In his early works, the first Fuyuhiro primarily followed the Sōshū style, renowned for its boldness and rich nie activity. Over time, however, he began blending elements of the Bizen tradition, another of the five great schools, resulting in a style that balanced durability with refined elegance.

The name Fuyuhiro was subsequently inherited through successive generations, continuing for seventeen generations from the mid-Muromachi period until the close of the Edo period (1460s–1868), leaving behind a long and respected lineage of swordsmithing.