AS26187 Katana： Satsuma Koku Hoki Kami Ason Masayuki Dated February, Kyowa 1, Year of the Rooster (1801) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering Number: AS26187

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Satsuma Koku Hoki Kami Ason Masayuki
Dated February, Kyowa 1, Year of the Rooster (1801)
薩摩国伯耆守朝臣正幸
享和元年酉二月

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This blade is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Satsuma no Kuni Hoki no Kami Ason Masayuki.
Habaki: Double-layer gold-covered habaki.
Blade Length: 77.4 cm (30.47 in).
Curvature: 2.0 cm (0.79 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.24 cm (1.28 in).
Width at Yokote: 2.18 cm (0.86 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.75 cm (0.30 in).
Sword Weight: 840 g.
Era: Edo period, dated Kyowa 1 (1801).
Shape: A robust, long blade measuring 77.4 cm (30.47 in), with deep curvature and an elongated kissaki, giving it an excellent overall form.
Jigane: The grain flows in a masame pattern, producing a dark-toned steel surface.
The steel is exceptionally well forged.
Hamon: Gunome-midare mixed with ko-gunome.
The boshi continues into an irregular midare pattern.

Features: Masayuki was a Kyushu swordsmith whose workmanship closely resembles that of Motohira.
This blade also displays the characteristic hidden chisel mark (kakushi-tagane).
If the file mark on the tang is positioned slightly off the centerline, it is considered evidence of an authentic signature.
Conversely, if the line runs exactly down the center of the tang, the signature should be regarded as a forgery.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This example by Masayuki is particularly rare because it is signed “Satsuma no Kuni,” followed by “Hoki no Kami Ason Masayuki.”
I have never encountered this exact form of signature before, making it an exceptionally uncommon work.
It is, of course, authentic.
This is a blade I can highly recommend.
It is notably long, with deeper-than-usual curvature and an elongated kissaki.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token.

AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata.

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