Ordering number:24537

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Gassan Unryushi Minamoto Sadakazu
Genji 2 Nen 3 Gatsu Hi (March 1865)
月山雲龍子源貞一造
元治二年三月日

At our company, we evaluate swordsmiths' works into four categories: Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Gassan Unryushi Minamoto Sadakazu.
Habaki: Silver single Habaki
Blade Length: 69.8 cm (27.48 in)
Curvature: 1.1 cm (0.43 in)
Mekugi Holes: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.32 cm (1.31 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.44 cm (0.96 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.74 cm (0.29 in)
Weight: 880 g (1.94 lbs)
Era: Late Edo Period, March of the 2nd year of Genji (1865)
Shape: A sturdy sword with a wide body, thick construction, shallow curvature, and extended tip.
It has been shortened (suriage) by approximately 1 sun (3 cm).
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame with a refined appearance.
Hamon: Gonome-midare pattern with well-defined ashi extending into the boshi.

Features: This is a robust and practical sword crafted with combat in mind.
The jigane is well-forged, showing a fine texture, and the hamon displays active gonome-midare with notable ashi.
The boshi is long, exemplifying the excellent craftsmanship of Sadakazu.

Aoi Art's Comment:
Gassan Sadakazu was a renowned swordsmith from Settsu Province.
His real name was Gassan Yagoro.
Born in February of Tempo 7 (1836) in Sugose Village, he was adopted by Gassan Sadayoshi at the age of seven.
He began his training around the age of eleven and is said to have mastered the ayasugi hada pattern by his twenties.
Despite the issuance of the Haito Edict in 1876, he continued sword-making, achieving great success, including exhibiting his work at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, where he received an award.
He was appointed an Imperial Court Artist in 1906 and passed away in July of 1918 at the age of 84.

Gassan Sadakazu's works feature tightly forged ko-itame jigane, often with utsuri, and sometimes masame or ayasugi hada patterns.
He was also a master engraver, excelling in a variety of themes ranging from simple motifs like bonji and gomabashi to intricate carvings of dragons and divine figures.

This particular sword is recommended for its robust design, refined jigane, and precise gonome-midare hamon.
The simple yet elegant koshirae complements the sword's overall aesthetic.
It is expected to appreciate in value over time.

Historical Background:
This sword was created during the transitional period from the late Edo era to the Meiji Restoration.
The Haito Edict resulted in a decline in demand for swords, forcing swordsmiths to continue their craft in secret.
Despite these challenges, Gassan Sadakazu persevered and passed on his legacy to his son, Gassan Sadakatsu, ultimately achieving great success.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Price:1,650,000JPY

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