Ordering number:AS22561

Katana: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Yusuishin Sadayoshi Saku Kore (Mukansa Swordsmith).
Showa Kinoe-Ne 5 Gatsu Kichijistu (May 1984)
湧水心貞吉作之(無監査刀匠)
昭和甲子五月吉日

We classify swordsmith works into Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyo Saku for Yukimizu Shin Sadayoshi.
Habaki: Single-layered plain copper habaki.
Blade Length: 72.7 cm (28.62 in).
Curvature: 1.8 cm (0.71 in).
Mekugi Holes: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.06 cm (1.20 in).
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.23 cm (0.88 in).
Thickness (Kasane): 0.63 cm (0.25 in).
Sword Weight: 675 grams.
Era: Showa 59 (1984).
Shape:The blade is broad with a pronounced curvature.
The tip (boshi) is relatively large, with bōhi (grooves) carved on both sides.
Jigane:Small itame grain, well-forged with visible chikei, resulting in a beautiful jigane.
Hamon:Nie-deki with gunome midare and a double-edged hamon (nijuba).
Sunagashi and kinsuji are prominently active.
The tip has an irregular hamon that sweeps upward (sōkō-kesho).

Features:Sadayoshi was born in 1908 (Meiji 41) in Tokushima Prefecture.
He studied under Gassan Sadakatsu, the son of Living National Treasure Gassan Sadakazu.
After the war, he became an uninspected swordsmith (mukansa) and passed away in 2000 at the age of 92.
Yukimizu Shin Sadayoshi was a highly skilled swordsmith capable of replicating the intricate ayasugi-hada associated with the Gassan school.
He mastered various traditions, including Sōshū-den, Bizen-den, Yamashiro-den, and Yamato-den, showcasing his remarkable craftsmanship.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Circular iron tsuba with openwork design depicting a paddle.
Menuki: Motif of horsetail plants (tsukushi) with gold detailing.
Fuchigashira: Iron fittings with ginkgo leaves in silver inlay.
Saya: Black lacquered finish (kuro roiro).

Aoi Art’s Comment:As a mukansa swordsmith, Sadayoshi produced a significant number of works throughout his life.
He adeptly replicated the ayasugi-hada pioneered by Gassan Sadakazu, demonstrating his exceptional skill.
This is an impressive example of his craftsmanship, and the accompanying koshirae further enhances its appeal.
This piece was entered in the 2024 Modern Swordsmith Exhibition and won in the polishing category.

NBTHK Hozon Token.
Aoi Art Estimation Paper.
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:650,000JPY

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