AS25191 Wakizashi:Osumi Toshihira — Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure)（NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon）

Wakizashi in Shirasaya, with Kiri Box（NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon）

Signature: Osumi Toshihira — Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure)
Date: May 5, 1989 (Heisei 1)
大隈俊平
平成元年五月五日

Hakogaki (Box Inscription):
Tachi – Osumi Toshihira
Made upon request by Kijima Terumitsu
Kodachi (short tachi), one piece
Signature:　Omote (front): Made by Osumi Toshihira
Ura (back): May 5, 1989 (Heisei 1)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Saijyo Saku among the works of Osumi Toshihira.
Habaki: Double-layered gold-covered.
Blade Length: 54.8 cm (21.57 in)
Curvature: 1.8 cm (0.71 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.46 cm (0.97 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.61 cm (0.63 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.62 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 455 grams
Era: Modern
Shape: A healthy and sound piece with solid width and thickness, featuring ububa (unaltered edge).
Jigane: Clearly visible masame-hada with chikei, along with visible utsuri.
Hamon: Nie-based suguha with small ashi entering in places.
Boshi: Round and turns back.

Features: Osumi Toshihira was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).
He won awards for his suguha hamon, eventually being honored as a Living National Treasure.
Winning awards with suguha hamon is extremely difficult and a testament to his exceptional dedication.
The refined masame-hada combined with chikei displays superb craftsmanship.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Osumi Toshihira (real name Sadao), one of the most highly regarded modern swordsmiths and a Living National Treasure, was born in 1932 in Ota City.
He studied under Miyairi Akihira, another Living National Treasure, in 1952.
He became independent in 1958 and went on to win the Masamune Prize three times at the New Sword Exhibition.
He was officially recognized as a Living National Treasure in 1997.
What sets Osumi Toshihira apart is the rare achievement of receiving recognition specifically for his suguha work.
Producing suguha hamon is incredibly difficult and not a simple or straightforward task.
His fine masame-hada, tightly forged with jinie, presents an exquisite hamon.
We highly recommend this exceptional piece by Osumi Toshihira (Living National Treasure).

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata