Ordering number:AS24719

Tanto in Shirasaya with Kiri Box (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Taia Gassan Minamoto Sadakazu Saku (Kao)
(Living National Treasure).
Showa 46 Nen 2 Gatsu Kichijitsu(February 1971)
太阿月山源貞一作（花押）(人間国宝)
(峰)昭和二二十六年二月吉日

Box Inscription:
Tanto　One blade
Made with the secret technique of Ayasugi Hada passed down from ancestors.
Blade length: 9 sun (approx. 27.4 cm).
Made in Washu Miwayama.
Showa 46 Nen 2 Gatsu Kichijitsu(February 1971)
Signed: Gassan Minamoto Sadakazu (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 classified as Jyojyo Saku for the work of Gassan Minamoto Sadakazu.
Habaki: Silver double-layered.
Blade Length: 27.4 cm (10.79 in).
Curvature: 0.0 cm (0.0 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.74 cm (1.08 in).
Thickness at Rim (Kasane): 0.61 cm (0.24 in).
Sword Weight: 225 g (7.94 oz).
Era: February 1971 (Showa 46).
Shape: A tanto with a well-balanced length and sturdy width and thickness.
The front side is carved with a ken and nail pattern, and the back side features two grooves.
Jigane: The blade exhibits a fine ko-itame hada combined with prominent Ayasugi Hada.
Hamon: A midare pattern of waves with visible nie and active ashi.

Features: This tanto was created by Gassan Minamoto Sadakazu, a Living National Treasure.
The upper portion of the tang bears a date inscription.
The Ayasugi Hada is vividly expressed, and beneath it, the active midare hamon can be seen.
It is an impressive work of art.

Aoi Art’s Comment: During the late Muromachi period, Ayasugi Hada disappeared.
The first-generation Gassan Sadakazu worked tirelessly to recreate this distinctive pattern.
By the late Edo period, the Ayasugi Hada became a hallmark of the Gassan school, passed down as a treasured secret technique.
The current Living National Treasure, Gassan Minamoto Sadakazu, continues to preserve this tradition.
The Ayasugi Hada is characterized by its smooth, non-aggressive texture, with a harmonious midare hamon beneath.
The meaning of "Miyama, Wakayama Prefecture" remains unclear, and we plan to investigate further.

NBTHK Hozon Token.
Aoi Art Estimation Paper.
Whole Oshigata included.

Auction Starting Price:1,400,000JPY

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