AS25433 Katana: Sakuyōshi Takemura Masaaki (Jōkeishi Masaaki) Kaei 6 Nen Chushun (Mid-Spring,1853) (Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (NBTHK Kicho Token)

Ordering number:AS25433

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (NBTHK Kicho Token)

Signature: Sakuyōshi Takemura Masaaki (Jōkeishi Masaaki)
Kaei 6 Nen Chushun (Mid-Spring,1853)
Made upon request by Tanaka Mitsuaki
作陽士竹村正明(城慶子正明)
嘉永六年仲春
応田中光明需

Shinshinto: Jyo Saku (High Grade): Musashi
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Saijyo Saku (Highest Grade) among the works of Takemura Masaaki.
Habaki: Gold foil single Habaki
Blade Length: 2 shaku 3 sun – 69.7 cm (27.44 in)
Curvature: 6 bu 5 rin – approx. 1.97 cm (0.78 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.09 cm (1.22 in)
Width at Yokote (Sakihaba): 2.08 cm (0.82 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.68 cm (0.27 in)
Sword Weight: 750 g
Era: late Edo period, around Kaei era.(1853)
Shape:A magnificent form with wide mihaba, deep curvature, and an extended kissaki.
Jigane:Well-forged ko-itame hada, resulting in a nearly plain surface.
Hamon:Nioi-deki with a chōji-midare pattern showing vertical variations.
In my opinion, it deserves a Saijyo Saku (Highest Grade) evaluation.

Features:Masaaki, also known as Takemura Tsunetsugu, was a samurai of the Tsuyama Domain in Sakushu and a student of Hosokawa Masayoshi.
He resided in Fukagawa, Edo, and produced works resembling those of his teacher, though his craftsmanship is considered to have surpassed his master.
The yasurime on the tang reflects his teacher’s robust style.
This sword was made upon the request of Tanaka Mitsuaki.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Vertical round iron tsuba with raised rim, carved with waves and maple leaves, with gold iroe.
Kurigata: Iron base, decorated with bamboo leaves in gold iroe.
Fuchikashira: Iron base, carved with bamboo and a crescent moon in gold and silver iroe.
Kojiri: Iron base with a maple leaf motif.
Saya: Glossy black lacquered saya (kuro roiro saya).
Menuki: Likely solid gold, high-relief carving of lion (shishi) motif.

Aoi Art’s Comment:
This piece is exceptionally well-made, likely due to it being a custom-ordered sword.
Tanaka Mitsuaki was probably a samurai, and it is assumed that Takemura Masaaki was also of samurai status.
For this reason, it is believed the sword was crafted with utmost dedication.

Historical Context:
This was a period marked by continuous conflicts between imperial loyalists and shogunate forces.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
NBTHK Kicho Token Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata