Ordering number:A24462

Katana in Shirasaya, with Box (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Osaka　Ju Gassan Sadakatsu Kinsaku (Kao)
Showa 11　Nen 3 Gatsu Kichijitsu (March,1936)
大阪住月山貞勝謹作(花押)
昭和十一年三月吉日

We divide each sword by quality into four levels: Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among works by Gassan Sadakatsu.

Habaki: Wooden.
Blade Length: 2 shaku 2 sun 6 bu (68.48 cm / 26.96 in)
Curvature: 7 bu (2.12 cm / 0.83 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.11 cm (1.22 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.11 cm (0.83 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.68 cm (0.27 in)
Sword Weight: 715 grams
Era: Showa 11 (1936)
Shape: This sword has a slightly wide blade, substantial thickness, and a deep curvature with an extended tip.
Jigane: The ko-itame (small wood grain) texture is well-forged, resulting in high-quality steel.
Hamon: The hamon features gunome-midare in nie-deki, with intense activity from the monouchi area upward and a turbulent san-saku style boshi, returning in a rounded tip.

Features: This sword includes a box inscription, indicating it was crafted in the tradition of Masamune. The habaki area is solid and reveals an intact cutting edge, attesting to its excellent condition.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Gassan Sadakatsu (Gassan Eitaro) is a renowned swordsmith representing the Taisho to early Showa eras, born in Meiji 2 (1869) as the son of the first Gassan Sadakatsu. Known for his dedication to quality, he crafted swords for the Imperial Household, dedicatory swords for the Ise Shrine, and many official presentation swords. Sadakatsu, committed to purity in both setting and spirit, moved his forging grounds to Yoshino Mountain in 1935. As a mentor, he trained numerous master swordsmiths, including his son, the second Gassan Sadakatsu, and Takahashi Sadatsugu of Ehime, both of whom were designated Living National Treasures. His mastery across styles, including Sōshū, Bizen, and Yamato traditions, is remarkable, with his signature ayasugi-hada (Gassan pattern) passed down from the Kamakura period to the present. He was also highly skilled in carving, enhancing his exceptional works. He passed away on December 24, Showa 18 (1943) at 74 years of age.

Historical Background: Following the sword prohibition law in the Meiji era, Gassan Sadakatsu resumed sword production as soon as the restrictions were lifted, crafting Japanese swords for officers during the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese Wars. His son, Gassan Sadakatsu, continued this tradition, creating swords before 1945.

With Box
NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art’s Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata

Price:1,650,000JPY

Related Items:

Katana： Naniwa ju Gassan Unryushi Sadakazu Kitae (Kokuin) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token) Dai Sho : Motohira(Dai Sho:NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Daisho Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu) Katana: Hizen Koku Ju Mutsu Kami Tadayoshi (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) Katana :(Kiku Mon) Takai Echizen Kami Minamoto Rai Nobuyoshi (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) Katana： Oite Nanki Shigekuni Zo Kore(Shodai)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Consignment Sale) Tachi :Sanryu Masamine(Sumitani Seiho)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)