Ordering number:15123

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Oite Osaka Izumi no Kami Kunisada Saku Kore
於大阪和泉守國貞作之

Sayagaki: Oite Osaka Izumi no Kami Kunisada, signed on ubu nakago at 10 o'clock. A work by Oyama Kunisada from around the mid-Kanei period, featuring a gunome hamon with ko-choji and irregular ko-gunome patterns. It is a fine piece that clearly showcases the typical seriousness of this smith. Signed by Tanzan with kaō.

Shinto: Superior sharpness (Ō-wazamono), Jyojyo Saku, Settsu Province. At our shop, we rank swordsmiths' works into four categories: Saijo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku. This piece is rated Jyojyo Saku for Kunisada's works made in Osaka.

Polished.
Habaki: Gold foil, single layer.
Blade length: 2 shaku 3 sun 8 bu (72.12 cm / 28.39 in).
Curvature: 5 bu 8 rin (1.76 cm / 0.69 in).
Mekugi hole: 1.
Width at base: 3.17 cm (1.25 in).
Width at tip: 2.39 cm (0.94 in).
Thickness: 0.76 cm (0.30 in).
Sword weight: 740 g (1.63 lbs).
Era: Around the Kanei period in the Edo era.（Around 1624）
Shape: The blade has a slightly wide body with a solid thickness and a somewhat deep curvature. The kissaki is of normal length.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with a beautifully clear jigane.
Hamon: A well-tempered hamon starting with suguha at the base and transitioning to a gunome midare pattern with deep nioiguchi. Ashi are well incorporated into the hamon, and the boshi gently curves with a round return.

Features: Born in Hyuga Province, Kunisada studied under Kunisuke. He was awarded the title of Izumi no Kami in May of Genna 9 (1623), but due to poor health later in life, his second son often created works in his place. He passed away on the 5th day of the 5th month of Keian 5 (1652) at the age of 63.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This katana by Izumi no Kami Kunisada, rated Jyojyo Saku, stands out for its beautiful jigane. The overall shape is also excellent. The hamon is a deep gunome midare with prominent ashi, and the boshi is slightly longer. It is said that due to Kunisada's illness, his son, Shinkai, took over much of the production, but this piece was made by Kunisada himself, showcasing a calm and magnificent atmosphere. The sayagaki written by Mr. Tanobe describes it as an excellent piece.

Historical Background: Following the turbulent periods of the Muromachi and Azuchi-Momoyama eras, Japan entered a more peaceful time during the early Edo period. About 20 years after the Keicho era, society began to stabilize. Swordsmiths devoted themselves with great enthusiasm to producing high-quality swords during this era, beginning with the Keicho Shinto and continuing into the Kanbun era. However, this was also a harsh time for some smiths who could not keep up with the demand for excellence and subsequently fell out of favor.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate.
Aoi Art Estimation Paper.
Whole Oshigata Included.

Price:1,800,000JPY

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