AS25434 Tanto： Gassan Sadakatsu Kin Saku (Kao)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering Number: AS25434

Tanto in Shirasaya, with Double Box (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Gassan Sadakatsu Kin Saku (Kao)
A Lucky Day in March, 1931
Commemorating the Birth of Her Imperial Highness the Princess
For Mr. Nakao Kinjiro
月山貞勝謹作(花押)
昭和六年三月吉日
皇子殿下御誕生記念
為中尾謹次郎氏

Box Inscription: One Tanto
Commemorating the Birth of Her Imperial Highness the Princess
For Mr. Nakao Kinjiro
Soshu Kamakura Masamune Tradition, Forged with Secret Techniques
Respectfully Made, Blade Length: 8 Sun 5 Bu (25.7 cm / 10.12 in)
Master Swordsmith: Gassan Sadakatsu

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among works by Gassan Sadakatsu.
Habaki: Single-layered habaki with gold covering, made by Gassan
Blade Length: 25.7 cm (10.12 in)
Curvature: 0.2 cm (0.08 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.60 cm (1.02 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.2 cm (0.08 in)
Sword Weight: 145 g

Shape: A well-proportioned tanto with solid width and a mitsumune (triple ridge).
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with very fine grain visible.
Hamon: Ko-nie deki with a deep nioiguchi in gunome-midare pattern.
Features fine sunagashi and kinsuji, making it a work in the Soshu tradition.

Features:
Gassan Sadakatsu was a master swordsmith representing the Taisho to early Showa periods.
Born in 1869 as the son of the first Gassan Sadakazu, he produced many significant works, including swords dedicated to Ise Jingu Shrine, fully demonstrating his exceptional skill.
He trained many swordsmiths, including his son (the second Gassan Sadakazu) and Takahashi Sadatsugu—both of whom were later designated as Living National Treasures.
He was proficient in all major traditions, including Soshu-den, Bizen-den, and Yamato-den.
He also forged the distinctive ayasugi-hada, a patterned steel grain passed down from the Kamakura period unique to the Gassan school.
He passed away in 1943 at the age of 74.

Aoi Art’s Comment:
This tanto was created to commemorate the birth of Her Imperial Highness the Princess.
Both the inner and outer boxes are carefully crafted, suggesting that this piece will continue to be treasured and preserved for generations to come.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata