AS25107 Wakizashi:Sanryu Masamine Saku Kore (living national treasure) Date: February, 1983(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25107

Wakizashi: In Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Sanryu Masamine Saku Kore (living national treasure)
Date: February, 1983
傘笠正峯作之(人間国宝)
癸亥年二月

Sayagaki: Submitted to the 19th Shinsaku Meito Exhibition – Masamine (Kao)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku among the works of Masamine.
Habaki: Single-layered with gold foil
Blade Length: 31.3 cm (12.32 in)
Curvature: 0.2 cm (0.08 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.67 cm (1.05 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.51 cm (0.20 in)
Sword Weight: 255 g
Shape:As a tanto, the blade is relatively wide, slightly thick, and in the mitsu-mune style.
A well-made tanto with ubuha (original edge) remaining.
Jigane:Well-forged fine ko-itame hada, producing a refined jigane.
Hamon:Small gunome-midare with a deep nioiguchi.
The boshi resembles the Sadamune style, with a pointed and deeply returning kaeri.

Features:　Kasakasa Masamine, born in 1921 (Taisho 10), studied under Sakurai Masayuki.
He was awarded the prestigious Masamune Prize three times, and was designated a Living National Treasure in 1981 (Showa 56).
He passed away in 1998 (Heisei 10).

Aoi Art’s Comment:　Being selected as a Living National Treasure today is extremely rare.
Prominent smiths include Miyairi Yukihira, who specialized in the Bizen tradition,
Sumitani Masamine, known for his unique choji hamon,
and Osumi Toshihira, referred to as “Osumi of the Suguha.”
There are craftsmen today worthy of the title, but none have yet been appointed.
This piece features sayagaki written personally by Masamine himself.
He is a highly recommended swordsmith.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata

Please note: The price does not include the international shipping fees.