AS24550 Tanto: Naniwa-jū Gassan Sadakatsu Kinsaku (Kao)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Tanto: Shirasaya, with Double Box (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Naniwa-jū Gassan Sadakatsu Kinsaku (Kao) Dated: A lucky day in May, Showa 12 (1937)
浪花中月山貞勝謹作(花押)
昭和十二年五月吉日

Hakogagi: Mamori Tanto – One Piece
Made in the tradition of Tenwa Tengoku-den, using secret techniques in the style of Kogarasu
Length: 6 sun 5 bu
Respectfully made on a lucky day in May, Showa 12 (1937)
Signed: Naniwa-jū Gassan Sadakatsu

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among works by Gassan Sadakatsu as a Kogarasu-style copy.
Habaki: 11 grams (Gassan-style Habaki), possibly solid gold.
Blade Length: 20.0 cm (7.87 in)
Curvature: 0.2 cm (0.08 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.11 cm (0.83 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.51 cm (0.20 in)
Sword Weight: 120 grams
Era: Showa 12 (1937)
Shape: A compact reproduction of the Kogarasu style.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with a faint utsuri.
Hamon: Made with ko-nie, featuring a straight suguha hamon with a small rounded turn-back boshi.

Features: Gassan Sadakatsu was a prominent master swordsmith from the Taisho to early Showa period.
Born in Meiji 2 (1869) as the son of the first-generation Gassan Sadakazu, he created offerings for the Ise Grand Shrine and demonstrated outstanding craftsmanship.
He trained many notable swordsmiths, including two who became Living National Treasures: the second-generation Gassan Sadakazu and Takahashi Sadatsugu.
He mastered various traditional styles such as Soshu-den, Bizen-den, and Yamato-den, demonstrating high technical skill.
He also forged the unique Gassan-style ayasugi hada, a pattern handed down since the Kamakura period.
He passed away in Showa 18 (1943) at the age of 74.

Aoi Art’s Comment: While there are a few remaining examples of Kogarasumaru-style swords, this piece shows how Gassan Sadakatsu poured his effort into its creation.
Though Gassan Sadakatsu made many different types of swords, we have not seen another Kogarasu-style work by him.
It is likely to be considered a rare piece in the future.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper with whole oshigata