AS25409 Katana: Ikkan-sai Yoshihiro October, 1861(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Ordering number:AS25409

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)
Signature: Ikkan-sai Yoshihiro
October, 1861
Made upon request of Mr. Sakamoto

Shinshinto: Jyojyo Saku: Musashi
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku)
This sword is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among works by Ikkan-sai Yoshihiro.

Habaki: Gold-plated single-layer habaki
Blade Length: 70.2 cm (27.64 in)
Curvature: 1.67 cm (0.66 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.24 cm (1.28 in)
Width at Yokote (Sakihaba): 2.2 cm (0.87 in)
Thickness at Rim (Kasane): 0.75 cm (0.30 in)
Era: Late Edo period, 1861
Shape: The blade is wide, slightly thick, with deep curvature, extended kissaki, and remains in very healthy condition with part of the ubu-ha (original blade surface) remaining.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, well forged and refined.
Hamon: Starts with suguha from the hamachi with small ashi, then becomes larger toward the kissaki with active fine kinsuji.
The boshi shows intense activity from the lower part, with prominent kinsuji.

Features: Works by Ikkan-sai Yoshihiro are rare, and the characteristics of his hamon are clearly visible in this piece.
While only part of the blade is immediately recognizable, examining the jigane reveals that the hamon is well remembered and characteristic of his style.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Circular iron tsuba with openwork design, inlaid with brass.
Fuchikashira: Made of suaka (refined copper) and carved with wave motifs.
Saya (Scabbard): Black lacquered with brown striped pattern.
Kojiri: Made of shakudo, designed to lift the blade to prevent inner scratches, with a dragon carved inside.
Menuki: Decorated with mantis and plant motifs using iroe (colored gold inlay).

Aoi Art’s Comment:
Ikkan-sai Yoshihiro, also known as Nakayama Kurando, often made works resembling that of Etchu no Yoshihiro.
Some of these swords were altered to appear older than they actually are.
This is not the fault of the smith himself, but rather due to later modifications by others attempting to make the sword look like a koto (old sword).
Because of its deep curvature and overall appearance, it may have successfully imitated an older style.

Historical Context:
Many of Ikkan-sai Yoshihiro’s works resemble those of Yoshihiro from Etchu and are often referred to as “hada-mono” for their fine grain.
This sword comes with a well-made koshirae and is highly recommended.

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