AS24071 Tanto:Sadatsugu(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Tanto in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Sadatsugu
貞次

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyojyo Saku (excellent workmanship) among works by Sadatsugu.
Habaki: Double-layered gold-covered
Blade Length: 28.4 cm (11.18 in)
Curvature: Uchizori (slightly inward curvature)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.41 cm (0.95 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.58 cm (0.23 in)
Sword Weight: 175 g
Era: Muromachi period
Shape:The blade is made with mitsumune (triple-ridged spine), featuring a bohi (groove) carved on both sides.
It is forged with beautiful jigane.
Jigane:Tightly forged ko-itame hada with visible utsuri.
Hamon:A suguha (straight) hamon made with ko-nie.
The boshi (tip) is pointed with a deep kaeri.

Features:While many works by Sadatsugu are found in Bitchu province, there are also similar signatures found in Bizen, Ecchu, Yamato, Mutsu, and Tajima, making it difficult to definitively identify the origin as Bitchu.
However, the mitsumune construction and visible utsuri indicate a solid and refined tanto.
This piece is considered to be from the late Muromachi period and displays excellent craftsmanship.
The koshirae is also highly luxurious.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Small, round Otafuku-shaped iron tsuba decorated with peonies in gold.
Kurikata: Made of suaka (copper) with a high-relief carving of an octopus.
Fuchi: Iron base with high-relief carvings of a person and pine tree, accented with gold and copper coloring.
Kashira: Chrysanthemum-shaped.
Saya: Brown lacquered scabbard.
Menuki: High-relief carving of a lion, decorated with gold.
Tsuka cord: Made from whale whiskers.

This particular Sadatsugu work is believed to originate from Bitchu, but no specific production location was noted in the current appraisal.
It is considered a well-made tanto from the late Muromachi period.
It has some scrathes but the koshirae is especially ornate and impressive.

NBTHK Hozon Token (to be issued soon)
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata