AS24859 Katana：Kagakoku jū Ryōsanshi Masamine Saku Kore(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Description

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Kagakoku jū Ryōsanshi Masamine Saku Kore
(Designated Living National Treasure)
Shōwa Kanoto-I Nen 2 Gatsu Hi
Oju Tsuruno Teisuke Shi
(made upon request by Mr. TsurunoTeisuke in February, 1971)
加賀国住両山子正峯作之
昭和辛亥年二月日応需鶴野定助氏

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Masamine.
Habaki: Gold foiled double.
Blade Length: 74.1 cm (29.17 in)
Curvature: 3.0 cm (1.18 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.48 cm (1.37 in)
Width at Tip: 2.44 cm (0.96 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.67 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight:845
Era: 1971 (Shōwa 46)
Shape: A magnificent and powerful blade with wide body, thick kasane, and deep curvature.
Jigane: Finely forged ko-itame hada, well-refined and of high quality.
Hamon: Nie-deki with a deep nioiguchi and gunome-midare.
A bright and clear temper line gives the blade a vivid appearance.

Features: Sumitani Masamine, born as Sumitani Yoichirō, graduated from Ritsumeikan University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1941.
He apprenticed under swordsmith Sakurai Masayuki and established his own forge “Sanryūtei” in Matto City.
During the 1960s and 70s, he received the prestigious Masamune Prize—the highest award for modern swords—three times.
He was designated a Living National Treasure (Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder for Japanese swords) on April 20, 1981.

Masamine also studied steelmaking techniques and produced his own tamahagane.
He perfected his original style of chōji-midare hamon, known as “Sumitani Chōji.”
His works were highly esteemed, and he crafted ceremonial swords for the Imperial Household.
He held a dominant position in the world of modern Japanese swordsmithing.
He passed away on December 12, 1998, at the age of 77.

This piece is a dignified reproduction of a Kamakura-era Ichimonji style.
It features bold bo-hi (grooves) carved on both sides, exceptional jigane, and a splendid Sumitani-style chōji hamon.

— Chronology —
1956: Opened the forge “Sanryūtei” in Matto.
1957–1964: Consecutively awarded in New Sword Art Exhibitions.
1965: Received both the Honorary President’s Award and the highest award, Masamune Prize, at the New Sword Exhibition.
Built a new Japanese Sword Forge “Ryōzantei.”
1966: Received a second Masamune Prize and the Mainichi Newspaper Award.
Designated a Mukansa (non-competitive) swordsmith and appointed as judge at the New Sword Exhibition.
1967: Designated Intangible Cultural Property of Ishikawa Prefecture.
1972: Received the first Kunzan Prize.
1974: Received third Masamune Prize at the New Sword Exhibition.
1981: Designated as a Living National Treasure (Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder).
1984: Received the Purple Ribbon Medal.
1990: Forged the Imperial Accession Ceremonial Sword. Gave lectures at the British Museum’s Japanese Sword Exhibition.
1991: Crafted a guardian sword for Princess Mako of the Akishino Imperial Family.
1992: Commissioned to make a sacred treasure tachi for the Ise Grand Shrine Shikinen Sengu.
1993: Crafted a guardian sword for Crown Princess Masako.
1994: Crafted a guardian sword for Princess Kako of the Akishino Imperial Family.
1998: Passed away on December 12 at the age of 77.