Ordering number: AS24671

Tachi in Shirasaya with Box and Amata Akitsugu Works Collection Book.

Signature: Amata Akitsugu Saku (Living National Treasure).
Heusei 13 Nen 8 Gatsu Kichijitsu (August 2001)

Box Inscription: Written personally by Amata Akitsugu.
Title: "O-Tachi Ikko (One Sword)."
Signature: "Amata Akitsugu Saku."
Date: "August, Heisei 13."
Style: "Bizen-den."
Length: "2 Shaku 5 Sun 7 Bu" (78.0 cm).
Carving: "Yanagi Mura Senshu by Akitsugu."

We divide swords by the smith's skill into Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked Saijyo Saku, the highest category for Amata Akitsugu's works.
Habaki: Gold-foiled single-layered habaki.
Blade Length: 78.0 cm (30.71 in).
Curvature: 2.5 cm (0.98 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.39 cm (1.33 in).
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.44 cm (0.96 in).
Thickness (Kasane): 0.87 cm (0.34 in).
Sword Weight: 950 g (2.09 lbs).
Era: Heisei 13 (2001).
Shape: A wide blade with a strong thickness, featuring bohi (grooves) carved on both sides, with detailed carvings within the grooves.
Jigane: Fine small itame hada, well-forged, producing a clear and refined steel.
Hamon: Nie-deki with a mix of gunome midare and choji midare, showcasing a varied and dynamic hamon with height differences.

Features: Amata Akitsugu (1927–2013) was born in Niigata Prefecture as the eldest son of Amata Sadayoshi. He trained under Hara Hikosaburo and initially produced military swords. After World War II, he received permission to forge swords in 1954 and won an Excellence Award the same year.
In 1997, he was designated as a Living National Treasure (Important Intangible Cultural Asset). He was also deeply involved in traditional steelmaking and mastered the Soshu tradition.
The carvings on this blade are the work of Horisenju, one of the most highly regarded modern engravers.
This piece is featured in the Amata Akitsugu Works Collection (Page 52), created four years after he was recognized as a Living National Treasure.
In his own words: "This blade showcases a highly refined choji midare hamon. The evenly forged jigane is suitable not only for choji but also for suguha and gunome. The indirect furnace-based steelmaking method was a groundbreaking invention."

Aoi Art’s Comment: This masterpiece by a Living National Treasure reflects his pride and confidence in his work. The steel is versatile, excelling in both choji and suguha styles, and showcases his innovative steelmaking techniques.
This sword is a treasure worth preserving as a family heirloom.
When sold, we will include the Amata Akitsugu Works Collection Book.

with Box and
Amata Akitsugu Works Collection Book.
Aoi Art Estimation Paper.
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:3,800,000JPY

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