AS25239 Katana：: Gōshū Junin Sasaki Zenshirō Minamoto Kazumine(/Ippo) (2nd Generation)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Gōshū Junin Sasaki Zenshirō Minamoto Kazumine(/Ippo) (2nd Generation)
Tenna 3 Sai 2 Gatsu Hi (March, 1683)

Shinto: Wazamono: Jyo Saku: Ōmi
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is considered a Saijyo Saku (highest level) work among those made by Sasaki Zenshirō Minamoto no Kazumine(/Ippo).
Habaki: Single-layer gold-covered
Blade Length: 67.2 cm (26.46 in)
Curvature: 1.5 cm (0.59 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.15 cm (1.24 in)
Width at Tip: 2.04 cm (0.80 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.69 cm (0.27 in)
Sword Weight: 715 grams
Era: Edo period, around Tenna era (1681–1684)
Shape: The blade has a slightly wide mihaba, standard thickness, a rather deep curvature, and an extended kissaki.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, well-forged and of high quality.
Hamon: Ko-nie deki with a deeply nioiguchi midare-ba (irregular pattern), resulting in a remarkable appearance.

Features: The second-generation Sasaki Zenshirō Minamoto no Kazumine(/Ippo), unlike the first generation Kazumine, produced excellent works.
I consider the hamon on this blade to be a Saijyo Saku (top-grade) example.
Anyone who views this piece will surely be amazed by its workmanship.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Iron tsuba carved with a pine tree design and decorated with gold iroe.
Fuchikashira and Kojiri (Kurigata): Made of brass, engraved with patterns.
Menuki: Chrysanthemums in high relief on shakudō base, decorated with gold iroe.
Saya (Scabbard): Black ishimeji (stone-textured) finish.

Aoi Art’s Comment: The koshirae is not particularly extravagant, but the blade is a masterpiece by the second-generation smith.
This is a rare and remarkable example.
The hamon is vigorous and highly unusual, rarely seen.
Upon closer inspection, the workmanship reveals its intense artistry, making it a truly admirable piece.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata