Mumei, attributed in sayagaki to Higo Dōtanuki Uenosuke (肥後同田貫上野介)
Blade Length: 60.0 cm
Curvature: 1.3 cm
This is an unsigned blade with a sayagaki attributing it to Higo Dōtanuki Uenosuke, a name associated with the robust and battle-oriented Dōtanuki school of Higo Province.
The blade has undergone ō-suriage, as evidenced by its shortened tang and adjusted shape. Despite this, it retains a powerful sugata with a relatively large kissaki (ō-kissaki) and a strong presence, characteristics often associated with late Muromachi period swords (16th century).
The hamon appears as a wide suguha-based temper line with gentle undulation, showing a thick and consistent nioiguchi. The overall impression is practical rather than decorative, emphasizing cutting performance.
The jihada is a visible itame, somewhat coarse and robust, aligning with the well-known traits of the Dōtanuki school, which favored strength and functionality over refinement.
While the attribution comes from the sayagaki and the blade is unsigned, the overall workmanship—strong sugata, wide hamon, and robust jihada—supports a connection to the Dōtanuki tradition.
This is a compelling example of a battle-oriented Japanese sword, with strong historical character and presence.
 
The sword is mounted in Type 98 guntō koshirae with a leather-covered scabbard, typical of field-service mounts. The remounting of traditionally forged blades into military fittings was common during the wartime period, reflecting continued functional use.