AS24694 AS24694 Katana: Zushu Naotsugu Saku(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Katana: In Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Zushu Naotsugu Saku
Dated: Bunkyū 4, 2nd month (February 1864)
豆州直次作　　
文久四年二月吉日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku for Zushu Naotsugu.
Habaki: Silver single-layer
Blade Length: 70.8 cm / 27.87 in
Curvature: 1.7 cm / 0.67 in
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.05 cm / 1.20 in
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.25 cm / 0.89 in
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.68 cm / 0.27 in
Sword Weight: 775 g
Era: Around the Bunkyū period, Edo era (1864)
Shape:A katana with slightly wide mihaba, thick kasane, and a deep curvature, forming a well-balanced appearance.
Jigane:A finely forged ko-itame hada, forming a nearly muji-hada (plain surface-like steel) with a beautiful texture.
Hamon:A nioi-based suguha (straight hamon) with well-formed nie, and the boshi curves gently.

Features:Zushu Naotsugu’s real name was Matsuzaki Iwakichi, and he produced swords in Edo, Ishikawajima.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: A round iron tsuba without kozuka and kōgai compartments. It has an inscription, but it is too fine to be clearly distinguished.
Fuchikashira: Shakudō nanako ground with waves and birds in high relief.
Saya: Black lacquered scabbard.
Menuki: Shakudō menuki featuring a dragon motif, decorated with gold highlights.
Aoi Art’s Comment:
This katana is suitable for both iaido practice and display due to its excellent craftsmanship.

Historical Background:This sword was crafted during the Bunkyū period, just before the Meiji Restoration.
The Bunkyū, Genji, Keio, and Meiji eras marked an era of rapid change, transforming Japan into a modernized nation within just 11 years.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata