AS24561 Wakizashi: Bizen Osafune ju Yokoyama Sukekane saku(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Wakizashi: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Signature: Bizen Osafune ju Yokoyama Sukekane saku
Keio 3 Nen 2 Gatsu Hi, Tomonari 58 Dai Mago(February, 1867)
備前長船住横山祐包作
慶應三年二月日友成五十八代孫

Explanation: This Wakizashi made by Bizen Osafune ju Yokoyama Sukekane who is a descendant of Tomonari in the 58th generation in February, 1867.

Shinshinto: Jyo Saku: Bizen
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 Bizen Osafune ju Yokoyama Sukekane.
Habaki: Single-layered gold foil
Blade Length: 59.1 cm (23.27 in)
Curvature: 1.6 cm (0.63 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.05 cm (1.20 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.03 cm (0.80 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.68 cm (0.27 in)
Sword Weight: 595 grams
Era: Edo period, February 1867
Shape: The blade remains healthy with nearly its full original length (59.1 cm) and unaltered edge.
It has a deep curvature and an extended kissaki.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada, forming a beautiful surface.
Hamon: Starts in suguha near the hamachi, transitioning into small gunome and choji-midare, then returns to suguha.
The boshi is rounded and deeply tempered down.

Features:　The Yokoyama school originated with Yokoyama Suketsugu, known for his unique choji hamon with tight nioi.
Sukekane inscribed himself as the 58th-generation descendant of Tomonari on the tang.
Yokoyama Suketsugu is referred to as the 56th-generation descendant.
Many of his disciples succeeded this distinctive hamon style.
Yokoyama Sukekane, also known as Toshikichi, was adopted by Yokoyama Sukemori.
This hamon style was rare at the time and likely held in high regard.

Koshirae: Han-tachi style mounting
Tsuba: Mokko-shaped iron tsuba
Menuki: Warrior motif carved with gold and silver iroe (color inlay)
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanako-ji with gold iroe decoration

Aoi Art’s Comment:This work is a copy of Yosazaemon Sukesada and is occasionally seen.

Historical Context:On December 9, 1867, the “Restoration of Imperial Rule” was proclaimed.
Traditional court systems were abolished, and the new positions of “Sosai” (Chancellor), “Gitei” (Advisor), and “Sanyo” (Councilor) were established.
The “Taisei Hokan” refers to the event on October 1867 when Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the 15th Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, submitted a letter to the Imperial Court relinquishing ruling authority.
The following day, Emperor Meiji approved the transfer.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata included