Ordering number: 23250
Katana: in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)
Inscription (Mei): Shison Yotetsu Teishitsu Gigeiin Gassan Sadakazu Kin Seiren Kore (Kao) Jinen 79 Sai Horu Onaji
至尊余鉄帝室技芸員月山貞一謹精錬之(花押)時年七十九歳彫同
Taisho 3 Nen 9 Gatsu Kichijitsu Tame Shitarake Shugo
大正三年九月吉日 為設楽家守護
Shinshinto: Jyojyosaku: Settsu
At our company, we categorize swords into classifications based on the craftsmanship quality: “Highest Grade,” “Excellent,” “High Grade,” and “Regular.” This piece is ranked as “Excellent” in terms of craftsmanship quality. Polished.
Habaki: Gold foiled single-layered Gassan habaki
Blade Length: 68.3 cm (2 shaku 2 sun 5 bu 5 rin)
Curvature: 1.82 cm (6 bu)
Peg Hole: 1 hole
Base Width: 2.59 cm
Tip Width: 1.71 cm
Thickness: 0.60 cm
Weight: 475 grams
Era: 3rd year of Taisho
Shape: The body width and thickness are balanced, maintaining the initial edge while achieving a deep curvature. Carvings of ascending and descending dragons adorn both sides of the blade, towards the tip. Additionally, a groove is carved from the base to the tip.
Grain Pattern: The fine ko-itame hada is well forged, resulting in a plain-like surface.
Temper Pattern: Bo-utsuri is deep in the midare hamon, with a slightly deeper nioiguchi, sunagashi, and kinsuji.
Distinctive Features: The swordsmith Gassan Sadakazu, also known as Gassan Sadakazu, worked in Settsu. Born in the 7th year of Tenpo, he began his apprenticeship at around age eleven and became skilled in ayasugi hada. He continued swordsmithing even during the Meiji era, receiving awards for his exhibited works at the Chicago World’s Fair and making sales to Emperor Meiji himself. He was also known for his carving mastery. This work was crafted in the 3rd year of Taisho, using tamahagane steel offered to Emperor Taisho.
Mountings:
Tsuba: Round iron tsuba with a landscape motif in sukashi (openwork), accented with gold inlay.
Fuchi Kashira: Gold-colored painting of paulownia on an iron base.
Menuki: Gold-colored painting of a centipede on a reddish copper base.
Wakizashi-kogai: Gold-colored painting of a landscape on an iron base.
Saya: Sharkskin saya
Kojiri: Gold-colored painting of paulownia on an iron base.
From Aoi Art: Gassan Sadakazu was a prominent swordsmith from the late Edo period to the Meiji era. Despite the challenges brought by the Meiji sword ban, he rose to prominence as an esteemed Teishitsu Gigei-in (Imperial Household Artist). He worked in various traditional styles such as So-shu, Yamato, Bizen, Mino, and Yamashiro. He also excelled in carving techniques. This piece showcases the characteristic reversed midare hamon and exquisite carvings, making it a remarkably outstanding work. Additionally, inscriptions on the habaki, “Gassan Habaki” and “Sukeraku Family’s Protection,” carry historical significance.
Historical Context: The Taisho era marked a time when Japan sought international relations and engaged in conflicts with Korea and China. It was a period of significant social change.
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token paper
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata by Ayaka Tsuruta
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