Ordering Number: AS26242 (Consignment Sale)

Katana: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Kanemoto (Magoroku)
兼元(孫六)

Sayagaki: by Tanobe
Noshu Akasaka Ju Magoroku Kanemoto.
This is the second generation, commonly known as Magoroku, who bears a two-character signature.
Together with Kanesada, this smith stands as one of the two pre-eminent masters of the Seki school.
It displays the uchigatana style, with a high curvature and added sakizori (tip curvature), forged in itame hada.
The surface shows a hada in which standing shirake-utsuri appears, with an irregular temper.
The boshi is rounded, and the nioikuchi is tight, bright, and clear.
It presents the typical features of this smith — a superb work of ample dignity.
Blade length: 2 shaku 2 sun 1 bu.
Written on an auspicious day in Fumizuki (July) of the year of Kinoto-mi (2025).
Inscribed by Tanzan (Kao).

Muromachi period : around the Kyoroku era (1528–1532) : Saijo O-Wazamono (highest-rank great cutting sword) : Saijyo Saku
We classify swords into Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku based on the swordsmith's skill.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Kanemoto (Magoroku).
Habaki: Gold-plated double habaki (2 pieces)
Blade Length: 66.9 cm (26.34 in)
Curvature: 2.0 cm (0.79 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base: 3.04 cm (1.20 in)
Width at Tip: 2.21 cm (0.87 in)
Thickness: 0.68 cm (0.27 in)
Blade Weight: 675 grams (g)
Era: Muromachi period, around the Kyoroku era (1528–1532)

Shape: A superb piece with an ubu nakago (original unaltered tang) bearing one mekugi-ana, with curvature and an extended kissaki.

Jigane: Ko-itame hada, very tightly compacted, with shirake-utsuri appearing.

Hamon: Nioi-deki.
A slightly rounded hamon mixed with pointed (togari) elements, continuing from the hamachi all the way to the kissaki.
The boshi further becomes midarekomi.
Within the hamon, subtle kinsuji are richly active.

Features: Magoroku Kanemoto was the son of the first-generation Kanemoto and bore the title Magoroku. It is said that Magoroku Kanemoto had a fraternal bond with Izumi no Kami Kanesada.
The NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certificate records it as (Magoroku).
It is a magnificent and rarely-seen masterpiece, with a single mekugi-ana and an ubu nakago (original tang).
In the sayagaki, Mr. Tanobe writes: "Noshu Akasaka Ju Magoroku Kanemoto; the second generation commonly known as Magoroku, bearing a two-character signature..."
As is well known, the works of Magoroku Kanemoto were famous even in their own time and were said to possess outstanding sharpness.
What makes this piece rare is its single mekugi-ana and ubu nakago.
We highly recommend acquiring it as a family heirloom.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: A circular iron tsuba decorated with a samurai and a demon (oni) in iroe (colored inlay) of gold and suaka (pure copper).
Fuchikashira: A dragon design carved on a suaka (pure copper) base.
Saya: Aogai-chirashi (scattered blue-green shell inlay).
Menuki: A dragon design carved on a suaka (pure copper) base.

Aoi Art's Comment: Kanemoto made many tanto, so katana by him rarely appear on the market.
This piece displays the superb workmanship characteristic of Magoroku Kanemoto.
We believe it was most likely a piece once held by a daimyo family.
It is a katana we highly recommend.

Historical Background:
1528, Kyoroku era, Muromachi period (498 years ago)
In Germany, the large-scale German Peasants' War came to an end.
In Japan, this year marked a turning point in the Sengoku period — the death of Ouchi Yoshioki, a powerful daimyo of western Japan, and the birth of Akechi Mitsuhide, the warlord known for the "Honnoji Incident."

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata

Please note: the price does not include the shipping fees.

Auction Starting Price:6,250,000JPY

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