AS25520 Katana: Yasutsugu(Edo 3rd gen) with Saidan-mei(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Consignment Sale

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Inscription:
(Aoi-mon)Yasutsugu Motte Nanbantetsu Oite Bushu Eo Tsukuru Kore (Edo 3rd gen)
(Golden inscription): Kanbun 9 nen 3 gatsu 12 nichi 4tsu
Do Kiriotoshi Yamano Kanjuro Hisahide(written sal mark)
translate: Cut down 4 bodies performed by Yamano Kanjuro on March 12, 1669.

We divide works in to Saijo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku,and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Yasutsugu(3rd gen).

Habaki: gold-warpped single habaki
Blade Length: 77.3 cm (30.43 in)
Curvature: 1.5 cm (0.59 in)
Width at Base(Motohaba): 3.19 cm (1.26 in)
Width at tip(Sakihaba): 1.92 cm (0.76 in)
Thickness: 0.54 cm (0.21 in)
Blade Weight: 860g

Era: the early Edo period Kanbun era, the mid17th century
Shape: wide,thick blade with small curveture, typical shape of swords made in Kanbun era
Jigane: Koitame hada
Hamon: Nie base suguha with thick Nioikuchi with partial Nizyu-ba and Koashi.

Features:
Yasutsugu the 1st generation was a swordsmith from Echizen who served as an official swordsmith for the Tokugawa Shogunate, working mainly in both Echizen and Edo. However, from the 3rd generation, the family split into two branches—one based in Echizen and the other in Edo.　The 3rd-generation Edo Yasutsugu succeeded the Edo branch of the Yasutsugu family and likewise served as an official swordsmith for the Tokugawa Shogunate. He is said to have refined his skills through interactions with other swordsmiths in Edo, and his craftsmanship is highly regarded.
This sword bears a Saidan(cutting test) inscription indicating a “yotsu-dō kiriotoshi” (four-body cut), demonstrating its exceptional sharpness.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: iron tsuba carved with a dragon
Fuchikashira: Shakudo base carved with a dragon
Menuki: a design of a dragon

From Aoi-Art:
Among cutting test inscriptions, a “yotsu-dō” (four-body) inscription is extremely rare—even I have likely never seen one before. This makes it a highly valuable piece that demonstrates exceptional sharpness.

NBTHK Hozon Certificate
Aoi-Art estimation Paper
whole Oshigata