Ordering Number: AS25806

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Oku Yamato no Kami Taira Ason Motohira
Autumn of 1795 (Kansei 7)
奥大和守平朝臣元平
寛政七卯秋

Sayagaki (Inscription on the Shirasaya) by Tanobe Sensei:
Sasshu Oku Yamato no Kami Ason Motohira.
Together with Hoki no Kami Masayuki, this swordsmith was one of the leading representatives of the Shinshinto Satsuma tradition.
The blade bears his nine-character signature, accompanied by the date 1795 (Kansei 7).
Blade length: 2 shaku 3 sun 7 bu, approximately 71.82 cm (28.28 in).
Inscribed by Tanzan on an auspicious day in late autumn of the Hinoe-Uma year (2026), with kao.
The blade has a relatively wide mihaba, substantial niku, deep curvature with pronounced koshizori, and a slightly elongated chu-kissaki, creating a powerful and dynamic sugata.
The jigane displays the exceptionally refined forging characteristic of this swordsmith, with abundant ji-nie and vivid chikei, producing a remarkably clear and brilliant appearance.
The hamon consists of a vigorous gunome-midare with pointed elements, a deep nioiguchi, and abundant nie mixed with coarse nie.
Nie-suji and sunagashi are prominent, while the nioiguchi is exceptionally bright and clear.
This is truly an outstanding masterpiece, demonstrating the finest qualities of the swordsmith's most productive period.

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This blade is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Oku Yamato no Kami Taira Ason Motohira.
Habaki: Single silver habaki.
Blade Length: 71.82 cm (28.28 in).
Curvature: 2.27 cm (0.89 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.16 cm (1.24 in).
Width at Yokote: 2.17 cm (0.85 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.68 cm (0.27 in).
Sword Weight: 765 g.
Era: Kansei era (1789–1801), Edo period.
Shape: A beautifully proportioned katana with a slightly wide mihaba, deep curvature, and an elongated kissaki.
Jigane: Tightly forged, dark-toned ko-itame hada.
Hamon: Nie-deki gunome-midare with prominent sunagashi and kinsuji within the hamon.
Imozuru, a characteristic feature of the Satsuma tradition, can also be observed.
The boshi displays a vigorous midarekomi pattern.

Features: Oku Yamato no Kami Taira Ason Motohira was the son of Motonao and was commonly known as Kozaemon.
He received the honorary title of Yamato no Kami in 1789 (Kansei 1) and passed away on July 15, 1826 (Bunsei 9), at the age of 83.
This blade has a wide mihaba, substantial niku, and deep curvature, giving it a magnificent and commanding overall shape.
Forged during Motohira's prime, it demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship and is a highly recommended example of his work.

Historical Background: The year 1795 (Kansei 7) marked the end of the artistic career of the ukiyo-e artist Toshusai Sharaku, who had emerged the previous year.
This period may be described as a relatively peaceful time.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata.

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

Auction Starting Price:3,200,000JPY

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