Ordering number:AS24536

Tachi in Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Kotaishi Denka Otanjo Kinen
Showa 9 Nen Shogatsu, Nagasawa Taro, Osaka Ju Gassan Sadakatsu Kinsaku.
皇子殿下御誕生記念
昭和九年正月長澤太郎大阪住月山貞勝謹作

Explanation: Commemorating the birth of the Imperial Prince
Made with great care by Nagasawa Taro, Osaka resident, Gassan Sadakatsu Showa 9th Year (1934), New Year's

Our company categorizes swords by the skill of the smith into Saijo-saku (highest), Jojo-saku (very high), Jo-saku (high), and Futsu-saku (average). This work is ranked as Jojo-saku (very high).
Habaki: Gassan-style Habaki
Blade Length: 68.4 cm (26.93 inches)
Curvature: 1.7 cm (0.67 inches)
Number of Mekugi Holes: 1
Width at Base: 2.8 cm (1.1 inches)
Width at Tip: 1.79 cm (0.7 inches)
Thickness: 0.74 cm (0.29 inches)
Sword Weight: 620 grams
Era: Showa 9th Year (1934), made to commemorate the birth of the Crown Prince
This sword has a broad body, a natural edge, a deep curvature, and an extended tip, making it a healthy and well-balanced work.
Steel: The ayasugi grain is distinct, a characteristic feature of the Gassan school.
Hamon: A straight hamon with well-formed ko-ashi (small feet) entering the pattern, and the boshi is rounded.

Features: This is a work by Gassan Sadakatsu made in Showa 9 (1934) to commemorate the birth of the Crown Prince. The habaki is crafted in the unique Gassan style, and the ayasugi-hada (sugi-grain pattern) is well-expressed, characteristic of Gassan swords.

Aoi Art Comment: Gassan Sadakatsu (Gassan Eitaro) was a master swordsmith representing Japan from the Taisho to early Showa periods. Born in 1869, he was the son of the first Gassan Sadakazu. Although his father was highly esteemed, Sadakatsu’s own signed works were few until his 40s. However, after his father’s passing in the 1920s, his skill blossomed, and he produced many excellent works.
He forged swords for the Imperial Household, dedicated swords to Ise Shrine, and made many presentation swords, showing a strict and sincere attitude towards swordmaking. In 1935, he moved his forge to Mt. Yoshino, driven by his belief in forging swords with a pure heart in a pure place.
He trained many notable swordsmiths, including his son, the second Gassan Sadakazu, and Takahashi Sadatsugu from Ehime, both of whom became Living National Treasures. His style featured reverse chōji-midare, ayasugi-hada forging, and mastery of the Sōshū, Bizen, and Yamato traditions. The ayasugi-hada pattern, a signature of the Gassan school dating back to the Kamakura period, continues to be passed down today. He also showed extraordinary talent in sword carvings. Gassan Sadakatsu passed away on December 24, 1943, at the age of 74.
This sword is an excellent example of the Gassan family's hallmark ayasugi-hada. In recent years, Gassan swords like this one have become increasingly difficult to acquire.

Historical Background
Extracted from Wikipedia:
July 15, 1921 (Taisho 10): Record temperature of 53.8°C observed in Basra, Iraq.
June 7, 1921: Temporary Language Investigation Committee established, chaired by Mori Ōgai.
September 10, 1921: Foundation of the Japan Football Association (later Japan Football Association).
November 25, 1921: Crown Prince Hirohito (later Emperor Showa) appointed as Regent.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:1,450,000JPY

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