AS24175 Katana:Sakai Ikkan-sai Shigemasa Hori Dosaku(Kao) (Mukansa swordsmith)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Sakai Ikkan-sai Shigemasa Hori Dosaku(Kao) (Mukansa swordsmith)

Explanation: This Katana was made by Sakai Ikkan-sai Shigemasa with carving by himself. This sword awarded at the 13th Shinsaku Meitoten (New Sword Exhibition).
Carving on the Mune side: “Kishikaisei” for Mr. Konagai Masatoshi.
This words means “to regain momentum once again.”
酒井一貫斉繁政彫同作(花押)(無監査刀匠)
第十三回新作名刀展受賞作品
(棟)起死回生小長井正敏

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for the works of Sakai Ikkan-sai Shigemasa.
Habaki: Gold-plated double
Blade Length: 79.9 cm (31.45 in)
Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.30 cm (1.30 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.17 cm (0.85 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.67 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight: 1065 grams
Era: Modern
Shape: The blade is wide, with a slightly thick kasane, moderate curvature, and a slightly wide kissaki.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, well-forged and of fine quality.
Hamon: Nie-based suguha hamon, bright and clear. The boshi turns back in a rounded manner.

Features: Sakai Ikkan-sai Shigemasa was born as the third son of Sakai Yasujirō and entered the school of Kasama Ikkan-sai Shigetsugu in 1921. He was particularly skilled in carving and made a significant impact in this field. In 1981, he was recognized as a Mukansa Tosho (Non-submission swordsmith).
This blade features a magnificent engraving of an ascending and descending dragon, created and signed by the smith himself. The carving is exceptional, comparable to the works of Issakushi Tadatsuna. Such craftsmanship is highly valued and is expected to gain further recognition in the future as a notable work.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Kasama Ikkan-sai Shigemasa is a well-known swordsmith from the Taisho period onward. He is widely recognized as a Mukansa Tosho and particularly famous for his sword carvings, as seen in this remarkable piece. We highly recommend this sword.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata