AS25535 Katana：: Kusano Yoshiaki Saku(NBTHK Hozon Token) (Consignment Sale)

Ordering number:AS25535

Katana in Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token) (Consignment Sale)

Signature: Kusano Yoshiaki Saku
Keio 3 Nen Fuyu (Winter, 1867)
草野吉明作
慶應三年冬

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyo Saku among works by Kusano Yoshiaki.
Habaki: Single-layered plain copper
Blade Length: 68.9 cm (27.13 in)
Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.21 cm (1.26 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.21 cm (0.87 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.83 cm (0.33 in)
Sword Weight: 860 g
Shape: A well-shaped blade with a wide body, thick kasane, and an extended kissaki.
Jigane: Finely forged ko-itame hada, forming a refined steel surface.
Hamon: Nioi-based, featuring choji-midare with small gunome-midare.
Ko-ashi activity is clearly visible within the ha.

Features: Kusano Yoshiaki resided in Osaka, originally from Inaba Province.
He was a student of Gassan Sadayoshi in Osaka.
His hamon features choji-midare and is visually impressive.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Yamagane base with a design of lions and peonies, rim covered in shakudo.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo base decorated with patterns.
Saya: Saya wrapped in black cloth.
Menuki: None.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Kusano Yoshiaki was skilled in choji-midare, and this piece features a somewhat dense midare pattern.
This work has excellent shape and is a superb example of his craft.

Historical Context:
The year 1867 (Keio 3) marks the end of the Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji era.
Soon after, the Haitorei (Sword Abolishment Edict) was issued.
It was also a time of great change for Japan, with the arrival of the Black Ships and increased contact with the West.
During this period, European powers were colonizing Vietnam, Indonesia, China, and other countries.
Why was Japan not colonized? It’s a mystery.
I believe the strong presence of the samurai had a significant influence.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata
*Please note: The price does not include shipping fees.

If you wish to re-wrap the Tsukaito, it will cost 30,000 JPY additionally.