AS24389 Katana:Nagasada (Okachiyama Nagasada)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Nagasada (Okachiyama Nagasada)
Dated: February, Meiji 2 (1869)
永貞 (御勝山永貞)
明治二年二月日

Shinshinto: Jyojyo Saku: Mino
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Nagasada.
Habaki: Copper base.Single-layered and inlaid with gold.
Blade Length: 68.1 cm (26.81 in)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.05 cm (1.20 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.21 cm (0.87 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.62 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 695 g
Era: Meiji 2 (1869)
Shape: Standard length with two grooves (bohi and soehi) carved along the shinogi-ji, forming a mitsumune (triple ridge).
The kissaki is noticeably long.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada, with the grain clearly visible.
Hamon: Nie-based gunome-midare with a deep nioiguchi, and the bōshi enters in midare style.

Features: Okachiyama Nagasada lived in Okachiyama, Mino Province, and was an active Mino smith during the Shinshinto period, later residing in Edo.
His real name was Matsui Jiichiro.
He was born in 1809 (Bunka 6) in Fuwagun, Mino Province, as the son of Matsui Naosaburo.
He is said to have once served as a smith for the Kishu Tokugawa family, and later moved to Ise-Tamura around the first year of Man’en (1860).
By around Bunkyu 2 (1862), he was living and forging swords in Aoyama, Edo.
He passed away in February, Meiji 2 (1869), at the age of 61.
It is believed that this sword was his final work, made just before his death.
Though it has a somewhat weak impression suggestive of his final days, it is likely a work into which he poured the last of his strength.
I have not seen any works by Nagasada dated later than February, Meiji 2.
He was a highly skilled swordsmith, and due to his reputation, many forgeries exist.
However, this piece passed the NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token judgment.
O-Katsuyama Nagasada is known for making many mitsumune blades, and this one is no exception.
This piece is highly recommended.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Okachiyama Nagasada has had many works designated as Juyo Token.
This is likely due to his use of the Soshu tradition and the high quality of his craftsmanship.
Most of his swords feature a mitsumune (triple ridge), so please check that detail when considering a purchase.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata