Ordering number:AS24645

Katana in Shirasaya (28th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Tsukuru Taikei Naotane (Kao).
Dated: Mid-Spring, Tenpo 4 (1834).
造大慶直胤(花押)
天保四年仲春（１８３４年）

Sayagaki: Written by Mr. Tananobe
28th Juyo Token. Taikei Naotane.
Signed with a five-character mei and kao, dated Tenpo 4.
Naotane, a disciple of Suishinshi Masahide, practiced the revivalist forging techniques emphasizing the Bizen and Soshu traditions.
This piece is a masterful Soshu-den work, with wide mihaba, thick kasane, and an impressive o-kissaki.
The jigane features flowing itame with his signature whirlpool mokume.
The hamon is a bold and dynamic gunome midare with thick nie and yubashiri, exuding power and grandeur.
Blade length: 2 shaku 3 sun 3 bu (70.6 cm).
Signed: Tanzan (Kao).

According to our standards, the quality of a sword is divided into Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Saijyo Saku, representing the pinnacle of Naotane's work.

Habaki: Gold single-layered.
Blade Length: 70.6 cm (27.8 in).
Curvature: 2.1 cm (0.83 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.40 cm (1.34 in).
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.57 cm (1.01 in).
Thickness at Rim (Kasane): 0.85 cm (0.33 in).
Sword Weight: 900 g (31.75 oz).
Era: Edo period, Tenpo 4 (1834).
Shape: A robust blade with wide mihaba, thick kasane, and a deep bohi carved on both sides, extending through the tang.
Jigane: A well-forged ko-itame hada interspersed with characteristic whirlpool-like mokume.
A healthy blade with visible nioiguchi and active chikei patterns.
Hamon: A vibrant gunome midare with a deep nioiguchi and prominent nie.
The boshi transitions into a midare pattern, ending with a rounded kaeri.

Features: Naotane was born in Yamagata, Uzen Province, around 1778, and was initially known as Shoji Minohyoe.
He studied under Suishinshi Masahide and later served Lord Akimoto.
In 1821, he was appointed Chikuzen Daijo, and in 1848, he received the title Mino no Suke.
His craftsmanship encompassed various styles, with Tenpo-era works excelling in Bizen and Soshu traditions.
Blades from his later years, known as "Tenpo-Uchi," are considered his finest works.
This katana, crafted in the last year of Tenpo, represents the culmination of his Soshu-den expertise, showcasing his mastery of revivalist techniques and aesthetics.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Naotane’s Soshu-den pieces from the Tenpo era are celebrated as his masterpieces.
This katana, made during Tenpo 4 (1834), highlights his exceptional skills, combining power and elegance.
The jigane features Naotane’s signature whirlpool mokume, and the robust gunome midare hamon exudes vitality and refinement.
This sword is a testament to Japan’s rich history of craftsmanship and should be treasured as a family heirloom.

28th NBTHK Juyo Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper.
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:7,500,000JPY

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