Ordering Number: AS25019

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token).

Signature: Minamoto Moriyoshi (Mukansa Swordsmith).
March 1990.
源盛吉(無監査刀匠)
平成二年三月日

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku for Minamoto Moriyoshi.

Blade Length: 77.0 cm (30.31 in).
Curvature: 1.9 cm (0.75 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.54 cm (1.39 in).
Width at Yokote: 2.97 cm (1.17 in).
Thickness (Kasane): 0.79 cm (0.31 in).
Sword Weight: 1085 g.
Shape: Wide mihaba and thick kasane with an extended kissaki, creating a powerful and magnificent work.
Jigane: Ko-nie deki, the steel is well-forged and tightly compacted, forming a refined jigane.
Hamon: Nie deki, gunome midare with a deep nioiguchi, the boshi is midarekomi and returns in a pointed manner.
Within the ha, there are sunagashi and kinsuji activities, creating a splendid work in the style of Kiyomaro.

Features: Minamoto Moriyoshi (real name Matsukichi) was a swordsmith from Yatsushiro City in Kumamoto, born in 1920.
In 1934, he entered under Kongohei Moritaka Yasuhiro.
He further studied under Enju Taro Nobushige, who had been invited to Yatsushiro by Moritaka.
In 1941, he received the name “Enju Nobutsugu Minamoto Moriyoshi” from his master Moritaka Yasuhiro.
In 1952, responding to a call from Kurihara Hikosaburo, he produced part of the Peace Commemorative Swords, of which 300 were made to commemorate the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty.
In 1954, he received official sword-making approval.
He exhibited continuously from the first Modern Swordsmith Exhibition.
Around 1978 to 1979, he enhanced his reputation with works in the style of Minamoto Kiyomaro.
In 1985, he became a Mukansa swordsmith.
He left outstanding masterpieces in the powerful Soshu tradition and passed away in 1990 at the age of 70.

Aoi Art’s Comment: As a Mukansa swordsmith, Tanigawa Moriyoshi left many notable masterpieces and continued producing works in the Soshu-Bizen tradition.
There are likely traces indicating that he used self-produced steel, resulting in a distinctive jigane.
In particular, the steel of this work is very well forged and refined.
It is regrettable that he did not become a Living National Treasure, as he was certainly worthy of such a title.
This work is a copy of the most renowned Kiyomaro of the Shinshinto period.
We highly recommend acquiring this excellent piece.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token (certificate to be issued soon).
Aoi Art estimation paper.
Whole Oshigata

Please note: The price does not include the international shipping fees.
Auction Starting Price:1,200,000JPY

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