AS24272 Katana:Bizen Osafune Ju Yokoyama Sukekane Saku (1st generation)(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS24272

Katana in Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Bizen Osafune Ju Yokoyama Sukekane Saku (1st generation)
Bunkyu 3 Nen 2 Gatsu Hi (February, 1863)
Descendant of Tomonari in the 58th Generation
備前長船住横山祐包作(初代)
文久三年二月日
友成五十八代孫

Shinshinto: Jyo Saku: Bizen
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku among the works of the first generation Yokoyama Sukekane.
Habaki: Single-layer silver Habaki
Blade Length: 79.5 cm (31.30 in)
Curvature: 1.0 cm (0.39 in)
Mekugi Holes: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.23 cm (1.27 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.87 cm (0.74 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.77 cm (0.30 in)
Sword Weight: 1075 g
Era: Edo period, 1863
Shape: A wide blade (3.23 cm), long length (79.5 cm), with an extended Kissaki and long Nakago. This type of sword was popular at the time and is referred to as a Kinno-to (Loyalist’s Sword).
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, densely forged, forming a beautiful surface.
Hamon: Nie-deki, straight Hamon, with a rounded Boshi turnback.

Features: “Tomonari’s 58th descendant” refers to being in the 58th generation from Tomonari.
Typically, swords of this lineage are not known for straight Hamon, but for a unique Chōji-midare.
Sukekane was the adopted son of Yokoyama Sukemori and was also known as Toshiyoshi.
While Kaga-no-suke Sukenaga inscribed himself as the 56th descendant of Tomonari, Yokoyama Sukekane used the inscription of the 58th descendant.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Thick, square-shaped iron tsuba with openwork of constellations.
Gold-painted dragon motifs are drawn on both the front and back.
Fuchikashira: Made of shakudo nanako-ji, high-relief carving of lions and bamboo, decorated with gold iroe (color inlay).
Saya (Scabbard):
Menuki: Made of shakudo, featuring a high-relief carving of a kabuto (helmet) and tachi (long sword), highlighted with gold iroe.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This is a long sword known as a Kinno-to, with a bright and clear straight Hamon.
The Nakago is long, and the supporting Mekugi hole is located toward the rear.

Historical Context: In February of 1863, during a daimyo’s procession, a British man attempted to cut across the parade and was killed by a samurai, which led to the Namamugi Incident.
As a result, the British demanded an apology and compensation from the Japanese government.
This was a time when Japan was divided between Imperial Loyalists and Shogunate supporters.
During such turbulent times, long swords like this were made.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata