Ordering number: 23241
Katana in Shirasaya(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Mukansa Swordsmith)
Mei(inscription): Minamoto Moriyoshi
源盛吉
Heisei Gannen Shujitsu
平成元年秋日
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo saku, Jyojyo saku Jyo saku and regular saku)
This sword belongs to Jyo Jyo saku ranking.
The blade is polished.
Habaki: Silver single Habaki
Blade length:79.2cm or 31.18inches.
Sori:2.2cm or 0.87inches.
Mekugi: 1
Width at the hamachi:3.53 cm or 1.39inches.
Width at the Kissaki:2.4cm or 0.94inches.
Kasane:0.73cm or 0.94inches.
The weight of the sword:1100 grams.
Era: Heisei 1(1989)
Shape: The blade is long and broad with deep Sori and longer Kissaki.
Jigane: Koitamehada is grained well with Jinie. Beautiful Jigane.
Hamon: Niedeki gunomemidare with Chojimidare. Nioikuchi is deep and Ashi/Yo works really well. Sunagashi and Kinsuji work actively in Ha. Boshi is Midarekomi and the tip turns back sharply.
Special feature: Minamoto Moriyoshi is a celebrated swordsmith from Kumamoto Prefecture, known for producing swords with wide bodies, thick layers, and a robust appearance. Tanikawa Moriyoshi (birth name Matsuyoshi) was born in 1920 in the city of Yatsushiro, Kumamoto. In 1934, he apprenticed under Kongoebi Moritaka Yasuhiro. He further studied under Eiju Tarou Nobufusa, whom Moritaka Yasuhiro brought to Yatsushiro. In 1941, he received the name “Enju Nobutsugu Minamoto Moriyoshi” from his master, Moritaka Yasuhiro. In 1952, he created a commemorative sword for the peace treaty, and in 1954, he was officially approved to make swords. He participated in Sword Technique Presentation Exhibition starting from the first exhibition. Around 1978-1979, he gained fame for his work replicated in the style of Minamoto Kiyomaro works. In 1985, he became an Mukansa swordsmith. He left behind magnificent masterpieces in the powerful Aizu tradition and passed away at the age of 70 in 1990. This piece showcases a grand appearance with active activity in the blade’s center and chaotic Hamon patterns that bring to mind the style of Kiyomaro.
From Aoi Art: Tanikawa Moriyoshi, who left behind numerous masterpieces as a Mukansa swordsmith, continued to create swords in the style of Aizu-Bizen tradition. There are traces of using homemade steel and the unique characteristics of the local iron can be observed. Particularly, this piece is believed to have replicated the Samonji school, and the quality of the steel is well-refined. It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t become a Living National Treasure, but he was undoubtedly a highly skilled swordsmith.
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token paper
Aoi Art estimation paper:whole Oshigata by Ayaka Tsuruta
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