AS24742 Katana：Gassan Sadakatsu Saku (Kao) Date: January, 2603 of the Imperial Calendar (1943)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS24742

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Gassan Sadakatsu Saku (Kao)
Date: January, 2603 of the Imperial Calendar (1943)
月山貞勝作(花押)
皇紀二千六百三年一月

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 works by Gassan Sadakatsu.
Habaki: Single-piece habaki with silver covering
Blade Length: 67.2 cm (26.46 in)
Curvature: 1.8 cm (0.71 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.29 cm (0.90 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 0.82 cm (0.32 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.82 cm (0.32 in)
Sword Weight: 895 g
Shape:The blade is wide with a thick kasane, featuring a deep curvature and a slightly extended kissaki.
Plenty of the original polish remains, and the sword is in healthy condition.
Jigane:Well-forged, dense ko-itame hada resembling a plain surface, showing high-quality steel.
Hamon:Made in nie deki, featuring gunome-midare with rounded heads on the gunome elements.

Features: The year 2600 in the Imperial Calendar corresponds to 1940 (Showa 15), with the Pacific War beginning the following year.
Gassan Sadakatsu, the son of Gassan Sadakazu, initially made swords on behalf of his father and later produced many blades for military officers after his father’s passing.
He was also known for his skill in horimono (blade carvings) and created many exceptional works.
By Taisho 5 (1916), Sadakatsu was active in independent production, including carvings.
He established a forging workshop in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture, where he produced numerous swords.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Before Gassan Sadakazu passed away, his son Sadakatsu took over swordsmithing responsibilities.
Gassan-style features such as the Bizen-den, Yamato-den, Soshu-den, and the Ayasugi-hada pattern have been passed down from the Kamakura period to the present day.
He also demonstrated exceptional skill in carving.
He passed away at the age of 74 on December 24, 1943.

Historical Context: Following the Meiji era’s sword prohibition, most swordsmiths left the profession.
Gassan Sadakazu was one of the few who continued, preserving the tradition.
After sword production resumed, he and Sadakatsu, along with a group of smiths, continued their work with great success.
By the Meiji and Taisho periods, the Gassan family became a central figure in sword carving, establishing themselves as top-class craftsmen.
Today, works by Sadakazu and Sadakatsu have become increasingly rare and are highly sought after by collectors.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art Estimation Paper with whole oshigata
*Please note: The price does not include shipping fees.