ABOUT US: At Supein Nihonto we strive to bring you high quality samurai swords and armors at prices far below the competition. We are probably the largest exporter in Europe and we are proud to anunce that we are number one TOP SELLER in Catawiki Samurai and Japanese auctions. This is especially important to save on taxes and waiting times that can exceed four months deliveries with Japanese sellers also headaches with tedious and sometimes problematic processes that further lengthen deliveries, even returning the parcel to its origin and more than 35% extra on the final price due the customs, tariffs and fees that increase the product but not the quality and the future resell. We are also professional sellers and therefore our satisfaction guarantee, knowledge and standards are superior to private sellers and with higher after sales guarantees. Thanks to this and the lowest professional prices in the industry plus our fast and efficient shipping method which rarely exceeds three days delivery in Europe, we are sure you will enjoy this great opportunity to own a piece of art that will appreciate in value for years to come and a great investment. Trust us to enjoy the samurai art. ITEM DESCRIPTION: Comes with kimono or cotton bag. Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto. Comes with copy of Tokosusho. Japanese Katana (Nihontō) – Bizen Kiyotsugu Kotō Work from the Muromachi Period with Lacquer and Raden Mother-of-Pearl Koshirae This is an exceptional description for a piece of great historical value, centred on its origin from the Muromachi period —15th-16th century— and its exquisite raden —mother-of-pearl— work. This magnificent sword is a direct window into the age of the Muromachi samurai. Signed by Bizen Kiyotsugu, a smith of the Bizen-den tradition within the Kotō period —old swords—, this blade not only represents the functional swordmaking of its time, but also comes dressed in a luxury mounting that stands out for its decorative technique with mother-of-pearl. The Blade — Sugata and Hamon Forged in a period of transition and constant conflict, the blade shows the characteristic robustness of swords intended for the warrior nobility of late medieval Japan. Smith: Bizen Kiyotsugu. School / tradition: Bizen-den. Period: Muromachi, 15th-16th century. Length — Nagasa: 61.5 cm. Curvature — Sori: 1.4 cm. An elegant and deep curvature, typical of cavalry and transitional blades. Mekugi-ana: 2. This indicates that the blade has been readjusted for different mountings over the centuries, a sign of its longevity and appreciation. Hamon: A very refined straight suguha, with subtle variations in nie and nioi, demonstrating superior technical mastery in the control of the steel temperature. Condition: The blade preserves an excellent polish that allows the dense and well-forged hada —steel grain— to be appreciated. Koshirae: Art in Mother-of-Pearl — Raden What makes this piece visually stand out is its saya —scabbard—, a true jewel of Japanese craftsmanship. Saya: Lacquered in deep black with raden inlays —natural mother-of-pearl—. The shell fragments are arranged to create an iridescent pattern that changes colour according to the incidence of light, evoking a starry sky or the reflection of water. Tsuba: Made of solid iron —tetsu—, with a classical form and decorated with fan motifs and gold inlays, symbolising authority and social status. Fuchi-kashira: Made of noble metal with high-quality gold details representing vegetal or dragon motifs, adding tactile and visual contrast to the ensemble. Tsuka — Handle: Wrapped in high-quality black silk over white ray skin —samegawa—, with gilt bronze menuki completing the luxurious aesthetic. Historical Value and Collecting Interest The Muromachi period witnessed the rise of major forging schools, including the Bizen tradition, one of the most important in the history of nihontō. A sword signed by Bizen Kiyotsugu, preserved with a raden decorated mounting, offers a particularly attractive combination of an old Kotō blade and a koshirae of strong artistic presence. The Japanese registration certificate from Mie Prefecture guarantees its legal status as a registered sword in Japan. Expert opinion: “It is very uncommon to find Kotō blades from the Muromachi period with such beautiful edo koshirae and a well-preserved raden saya. The contrast between the martial sobriety of Bizen steel and the opulence of mother-of-pearl makes this katana a central piece for any prestigious collection.” Technical Sheet Type: Katana — Nihontō Smith: Bizen Kiyotsugu School / tradition: Bizen-den Era: Muromachi, 15th-16th century Tradition: Kotō Blade length: 61.5 cm Curvature: 1.4 cm Main decoration: Raden — mother-of-pearl inlays Certification: Original torokusho — Mie no. 23136 Signature — Mei: Signed by Bizen Kiyotsugu An Authentic nihonto japanese sword, difficult to find in Europe, without the consequent costs of importing from Japan or from Japanese sellers, which can increase the price of the sword by up to 30% and a months waiting for shipment and custom paperwork. A truly real nihonto to delight both new and experienced collectors. All my swords are originals, imported from japan and Europe during many years of collection. All bids are binding, if you are not interested don't let other bidders miss the opportunity. Winning the auction and not paying for the item blocks you from bidding on catawiki on any auction forever, keep this in mind before bidding. Attribution is provided for reference only, subject to authentication. Please see my other samurai swords and items clicking on my seller name. Combine shipping avaliable.