AS15826 Tachi: Ryukanshi Minamoto Tanetsugu Saku A lucky day in early winter, Showa 59 (1984) – For Mr.Kato-oka(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Ordering Number: AS15826

Tachi: Shirasaya (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Ryukanshi Minamoto Tanetsugu Saku
A lucky day in early winter, Showa 59 (1984) – For Mr.Kato-oka
龍寒子源胤次作
昭和五十九年初冬吉日　加藤岡所祷

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works by Ryukan-shi Minamoto no Tanetsugu.
Habaki: Gold-foil double-piece
Blade Length: 72.3 cm (28.46 in)
Curvature: 2.6 cm (1.02 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.34 cm (1.31 in)
Width at Tip: 2.32 cm (0.91 in)
Thickness: 0.66 cm (0.26 in)
Blade Weight: 865 g
Era: Modern (Showa 59 / 1984)
Shape: A robust piece with wide blade and modest kasane.
Both sides are carved with bohi (grooves), and the deep curvature and full chū-kissaki give it a solid presence. Ububa is left
Jigane:Well-forged ko-itame hada with fine ji-nie, resulting in high-quality steel.
Hamon:Choji-midare with elements of gunome-midare in nioi-based style, with active ashi and a deeply undulating boshi.

Features:Born in Taisho 12 (1923) as the second son of a distinguished family.
He received numerous awards including five Excellence Awards, Encouragement Prizes, and twenty Effort Awards, and was selected fifteen times.
In 1985 (Showa 60), he demonstrated swordsmithing at the Tsukuba Science Expo.
The Horii family’s first generation, TaneYoshi, was a student of Taikei Naotane and Gassan Sadayoshi, and Taneji is the fourth-generation smith.

This sword was a custom order priced at ¥1,200,000 in Showa 60 (1985), and related documents are preserved, including a receipt and a letter from Horii Taneji to the client, Seiichi Kato-oka, explaining the production process.
In the letter, he writes: “Though still lacking, I will do my utmost with all my strength,” expressing his sincerity and dedication.
A work made with heart and skill—highly recommended.

Supplementary Note:
Seiichi Kato-oka served as Mayor of Ōamishirasato City, Chiba Prefecture, from 1975 to 1987.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata
Documents(Letters)