AS24803 Katana:Osumi Toshihira Saku (Designated Living National Treasure)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Osumi Toshihira Saku (Designated Living National Treasure)
Showa Tsuchinoto-Tori Nen 2 Gatsu Hi (February, 1981)
大隈俊平作(人間国宝)
昭和巳酉年二月日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Saijyo Saku, the highest grade, among the works of Osumi Toshihira.
Habaki: Double-layered gold-covered Habaki
Blade Length: 76.8 cm (30.24 in)
Curvature: 2.0 cm (0.79 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.52 cm (1.39 in)
Width at Tip: 2.45 cm (0.96 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.86 cm (0.34 in)
Sword Weight: 1125 g
Era: Modern
Shape: This blade features a wide body, thick kasane, deep curvature, and a standard-sized kissaki.
It retains its original sharp edge (ubuha).
The blade has a healthy and well-balanced form, with a rich nikuoki that resembles the surface of a clam shell.
Jigane: The hada is a combination of fine ko-itame and ko-mokume, with a tight, straight hamon pattern.
The grain is clearly visible.
Hamon: The hamon consists of fine ko-gunome midare extending from the hamachi to the yokote.
The style closely resembles the works of Tairyusai Sokan or old Bizen-style hamon by Yoshii school.

Features: This is a work by Osumi Toshihira, a highly ranked modern swordsmith and Designated Living National Treasure.
In 1952, he began his swordmaking career under Miyairi Akihira, who was also a Living National Treasure.
Notably, he consistently produced swords in the suguha (straight hamon) style, a highly challenging form, and persisted with it until reaching the pinnacle of the modern sword world.
This piece, measuring 76.8 cm, is a majestic example.
Although Osumi Toshihira is known for suguha, this work shows that even in midareba (irregular hamon), he could produce a magnificent piece.
The hamon is crafted with great care, clearly showing the mastery of a Living National Treasure.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:2,500,000JPY