Kat-105 NBTHK Juyo Enju Katana

Superb Juyo Token attributed to the Enju School.

The Enju School flourished during the Kamakura and Nanbokucho periods in the Southern part of Japan known as Higo. The founder of the school (Enju Kunimura) was the son of the famous Rai Kuniyuki who studied well under his father then moving to Higo Kikuchi to establish his own school. Actually if not for the boshi activity in this blade, it might have been attributed to the Rai School instead of Enju.

Very nice suguha based nie deki hamon with fine activity within the temper line. Ashi are seen throughout the hamon. Outstanding jigane with lots of ji nie giving the hada a “wet” appearance, as good blades have this quality when polished properly. The hada is very healthy and in the right light it is very enjoyable. The steel has a very nice almost “bluish” tint to add to the appeal. The boshi is very nice with activity known as nijuba. The double temper line in the boshi is a trait of the Enju School and often used as a kantei point when teaching about this school. For those that would like a pure Yamashiro sword, this blade is very nice example. The tang is slightly shortened, almost ubu as one can see from the beginning of the groove that still exists in the tang. The shape of this sword is very elegant, showing well both the strength and class of blades that were from the main schools during the late Kamakura-early Nanbokucho period. Top class polish, new shirasaya and habaki by one of the best craftsmen.

1300’s

Unsigned – attribute to Enju (Juyo Token 46th session)

Around 27.5 inches cutting edge length

$32,000