AS24568 Tanto:Minase Jingu Hiromae Magara Ryukichi Saijin Kore(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Tanto: Katana in Shirasaya with box (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature:　Minase Jingu Hiromae Magara Ryukichi Saijin Kore
Sadatsugu Tanto Kore
Showa 16 Nen 4 Gatsu Kichijitsu (April 1941)
水無瀬神宮廣前真柄龍吉淬刃之
貞次鍛刀之 昭和十六年二二月吉日

Explatention:This sword was forged by Sadatsugu in April of 1941 (Showa 16), and the quenching was performed by Magara Ryūkichi of Minase Shrine (a Shinto shrine located in Shimamoto Town, Mishima District, Osaka Prefecture).

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyo Saku among the works of Sadatsugu.
Habaki: Double-layered habaki with gold foil.
Blade Length: 23.0 cm (9.06 in)
Curvature: 0.1 cm (0.04 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.67 cm (1.05 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.6 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 195 grams
Era: Auspicious day in April, Showa 16 (1941)
Shape: A well-preserved piece with a mitsumune ridge and remaining ha (tempered edge).
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada is clearly visible.
Hamon: Ko-nie based suguha with a slightly deep nioiguchi, and the boshi turns back in a small rounded style.

Features:　Sadatsugu learned forging techniques from Gassan Sadakazu and Gassan Sadakatsu, and in 1952, he was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property holder.
He possessed exceptional skills in sword engraving.

Aoi Art’s Comment:Prince Asaka Yasuhiko was born in 1887 (Meiji 20) as the eighth son of Prince Kuni Asahiko. In 1939 (Showa 14), he became a General in the Imperial Army.
However, after Japan’s defeat in WWII, he was considered a war criminal.
He was later relieved of that status and is said to have been involved in sword production.
Takahashi Sadatsugu, who once collaborated with Prince Asaka, was later designated a Living National Treasure.
This blade was forged at Minase Jingu Shrine, where Emperor Go-Toba is also enshrined.
I once possessed a rare piece.
Soon after the war, the Japanese government, wishing to offer a gift to General Walker during the Korean War, gave special permission to Teiji to craft a tanto with sakura motifs.
On the reverse side, it was inscribed as a gift to General Walker.
Unfortunately, he died in a car accident in Korea.
I purchased that item in the U.S. and sold it to a customer.
I wonder where it is now.
Looking at this piece, such memories come to mind.

Historical Context: Wartime, Showa 16 (1941)

Box
NBTHK Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata