Ordering number:AS24579

Wakizashi (Sunnobi Tanto) in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Kaga-ju Ryosanshi Masamine Saku Kore ( Living National Treasure)
Showa 47 Nen 2 Gatsu Hi (February 1972)
Commissioned for Mr. Seya Kei
加賀住両山子正峯作之(人間国宝)
昭和四十七年二月日
為瀬谷慶氏造之

This blade is rated as Jyojyo Saku (very superior work) by our standards for Masamine’s craftsmanship.
Habaki: Double-layered gold-foil
Blade Length: 31.6 cm (12.44 in)
Curvature: 0.2 cm (0.08 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.19 cm (1.26 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.5 cm (0.2 in)
Sword Weight: 235 grams
Era: Contemporary(February 1972)
Shape: This is a robust wakizashi (extended-length tanto) with a wide blade and substantial thickness. Both sides are carved with a bo-hi (groove).
Jigane: The well-forged small itame-hada creates a high-quality jigane.
Hamon: The hamon is a saka-choji (upward clover pattern) in nie-deki, with well-defined ashi (legs) and a deep nioi-guchi. The boshi (tip) is pointed and curves back.

Features: Sumiya Masamine (Yukihiro Sumiya) was born in 1921 in Ishikawa Prefecture. He graduated from Ritsumeikan University in 1941 and studied under Sakurai Masayuki, learning various techniques, including the utsuri effect. Known for his distinctive Sumiya-choji hamon, he was designated a Living National Treasure in 1981 and passed away in 1998 at the age of 77. Masamine excelled in the Bizen tradition and demonstrated exceptional skill in crafting saka-choji hamon, as seen in this piece.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Masamine created numerous swords after being recognized as a Living National Treasure, leveraging his extensive knowledge of metallurgy gained through his university studies. Few swordsmiths are designated as Important Intangible Cultural Property holders today, making his works highly recommended for their outstanding quality.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:1,250,000JPY

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