This katana is signed Katsuie (勝家) and is believed to be the work of the first-generation smith active during the late Muromachi period. As a swordsmith of the Mino tradition, Katsuie worked during the Sengoku era, when demand for practical and dependable weapons was at its height. His blades are appreciated for their straightforward workmanship and strong martial character.
The blade measures 60.0 cm in length with a graceful curvature of 1.5 cm, featuring a well-forged itame-hada and a refined suguha hamon. Its balanced proportions and elegant simplicity reflect the practical aesthetics of the period, emphasizing effectiveness over ornamentation.
Preserved in healthy condition, this sword is a fine example of late Muromachi Mino craftsmanship and offers collectors an attractive connection to the age of Japan's warring states.
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.