Ordering number:AS24555

Wakizashi: Shirasaya with Koshirae (Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Hizen Kuni Mutsu no Kami Tadakatsu.
肥前国陸奥守忠吉

Shinto: Saijo O-wazamono. Jyojyo Saku. Hizen province.
(We divide swords into four sections based on the swordsmith's skill: Saijo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.)
This sword is classified as Jyojyo Saku for works by Mutsu no Kami Tadakatsu of Hizen province.
Habaki: Double-layered gold-foiled habaki.
Blade Length: 1 shaku 8 sun 1 bu 5 rin (54.94 cm / 21.63 in).
Curvature: 5 bu (1.52 cm / 0.6 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.03 cm (1.19 in).
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.06 cm (0.81 in).
Thickness (Kasane): 0.58 cm (0.23 in).
Sword Weight: 475 grams (1.05 lbs).
Era: Around Manji era, Edo period (1658–1661).
Shape: The blade is wide and thick, with a deep curvature and a bo-hi (groove) carved on both sides.
Jigane: Beautiful Hizen-style steel, finely forged with well-knit ko-itame hada.
Hamon: Begins with a straight suguha from the hamachi and transitions into a midare pattern. The boshi is pointed and forms a small rounded shape.

Features: The swordsmith, Tadakatsu, was the son of Tadayoshi II (Tadahiro) and the third generation of the Tadayoshi school, also known as Shinsaburo.
In October of Manji 3 (1660), he received the title Mutsu no Kami, and in August of Kanbun 1 (1661), he succeeded Tadayoshi II and produced many representative works of the school.
His works are remarkable, and many have been designated as Juyo Token.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Circular shakudo nanako-ji tsuba carved with floral motifs and inlaid with gold.
Fuchigashira: Shakudo nanako-ji with carvings of lions and peonies, decorated with gold inlay.
Saya (Scabbard): Vermillion lacquered saya.
Menuki: Carvings of lions in gold inlay.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Due to the short duration of his sword-making period, the number of works by Tadakatsu is limited.
In my opinion, among Hizen swords, Tadakatsu is the finest, followed by Tadayoshi I and Omidachi Tadahiro.
The suguha of Mutsu no Kami Tadakatsu is of outstanding quality, with exceptional jigane and hamon.
Although this piece features a midare hamon rather than a suguha, it possesses its own unique appeal.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:1,850,000JPY

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