Ordering number:AS23368

Katana in Shirasaya

Signature: Noshu Seki Ju Watanabe Kanenaga Kinsaku.
Showa 20 Nen 5 Gatsu Hi (May 1945).
濃州関住渡邉兼永僅作
昭和二十年五月日

Our evaluation system ranks swordsmiths’ works as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This piece is classified as Jyojyo Saku for the works of Watanabe Kanenaga.
Habaki: Wooden Habaki
Blade Length: 66.6 cm (26.22 in)
Curvature: 1.6 cm (0.63 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.07 cm (1.21 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.08 cm (0.82 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.59 cm (0.23 in)
Sword Weight: 690 g (1.52 lbs)
Era: Showa 20 (May 1945)
Shape:　A sturdy blade with significant width and thickness, a deep curvature, and a standard kissaki.
The hamon leaves a substantial portion of the blade unaltered.
Jigane:　Small itame hada, well-forged, with ji-nie forming a clear and refined texture.
Hamon:　A gunome-midare pattern, skillfully executed with ko-nie. The hamon irregularities extend into the kissaki.

Features:　This sword was crafted just before the end of World War II by Watanabe Manjiro, also known as Kanenaga.
He was a master smith who received prestigious awards such as the Navy Minister's Prize and significantly contributed to the revival of Seki’s blacksmithing tradition.
At 26, he became the adopted son-in-law of Watanabe Kanenaga in Seki. Born in Meiji 5 (1872), he passed away in Showa 21 (October 1946) at the age of 74.
This sword is a well-crafted example, with excellent polishing evident on the upper part of the tang, where the polisher's name, Ishihara, is inscribed.
It is accompanied by a box and was originally made as a military sword.
This piece, created in the closing days of the war, is highly detailed and meticulously crafted.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　The polishing is excellent, and we highly recommend this sword.

Historical Context:　On August 15, Showa 20 (1945), Japan lost the war, and sword production was banned.
This katana, crafted by Watanabe Kanenaga with great dedication, survives as a well-preserved example of his work.
Unfortunately, he passed away about a year later.

Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata
*Please note: The price does not include shipping fees.

Auction Starting Price:380,000JPY

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