Ordering number:AS23889

Tanto: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Suifu Ju Katsumura Norikatsu(Tokkatsu)Saku Kore
(First Generation)
Keiō 4 Nen 8 Gatsu Hi (August, 1868)
水府住勝村徳勝作之(初代)
慶応四年八月日　

Shinto: Ranked as Jyojyo Saku (Superior Work).
(We divide swords into four ranks: Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.)
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Norikatsu(Tokkatsu).
Habaki: Single silver.
Blade Length: 28.9 cm (11.38 in).
Curvature: None.
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.02 cm (1.19 in).
Thickness (Kasane): 0.67 cm (0.26 in).
Sword Weight: 285 g (0.63 lbs).
Era: Edo period, Keiō 4 (1868).
Shape:A robust tanto with a wide blade and thick kasane, exhibiting a strong and solid appearance.
Jigane:Masame-hada, densely forged with faint utsuri visible, resulting in refined steel.
Hamon:Suguha with ko-nie, featuring small ashi and tobiyaki near the shinogi.
The boshi sweeps upward with double layers, showing prominent kinsuji on both sides.

Features: Katsumura Norikatsu(Tokkatsu), also known as Sui-fu Ju Katsumura Masaru, was a Mito samurai and a student of Tokutoku.
He later trained under Hosokawa Masayoshi in Edo, followed by Koyama Munetsugu and Unju Korei.
His works are characterized by masame-hada with suguha hamon featuring sunagashi.
This tanto, a solidly built piece, exemplifies his skill with intricate activities such as kinsuji and sunagashi.

Koshirae Details:
Tsuba: Small tanto tsuba with floral motifs adorned with gold highlights.
Fuchikashira: Crafted from silver, depicting rough seas with wave carvings.
Menuki: Shakudo base with high-relief flower carvings, decorated with gold.
Saya: Black textured lacquer (ishimeji).

Aoi Art's Comment:This is a tanto by Katsumura Norikatsu(Tokkatsu), First Generation.
The blade features his signature masame-hada with tobiyaki and kinsuji throughout.
Known for his preference for masame-hada, Katsumura Norikatsu(Tokkatsu) created robust pieces that display intricate details like sunagashi and kinsuji.
This tanto is a fine example, showcasing his mastery in both functionality and aesthetic design.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:600,000JPY

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