AS25698 Katana： Izumi Kami Minamoto Morimasa Saku(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25698

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

Signature: Izumi Kami Minamoto Morimasa Saku
和泉守源守正

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Izumi no Kami Minamoto Morimasa.
Habaki: Single-layered plain copper.
Blade Length: 63.7 cm (25.08 in)
Curvature: 1.6 cm (0.63 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.08 cm (1.21 in)
Width at Tip: 2.03 cm (0.80 in)
Thickness: 0.70 cm (0.28 in)
Sword Weight: 655 grams
Era: Edo period, around Kanbun (1661–1673)
Shape: The blade has a slightly wide body with thick kasane and a relatively deep curvature, with an extended kissaki, forming a well-balanced and elegant shape.
Jigane: Well-visible hada with a textured surface.
Hamon: Gunome-midare with a rounded boshi.

Features: Izumi no Kami Minamoto Morimasa lived in Edo, originally from Kai and Chikuzen Provinces.
He was active around the Kanbun era and is known for his flamboyant choji-midare hamon.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Circular iron tsuba with shakudo rim.
Fuchikashira: Decorated with autumn grasses and insects, with gold highlights.
Saya (Scabbard): Dark brown lacquered saya with finely inlaid barley ears.
Menuki: Floral motif carved on shakudo with gold inlay.

Aoi Art’s Comment: During the Edo period, the demand for swords decreased, leading to a rise in decorative and visually interesting works, such as those with elaborate hamon, engraved signatures (kiri-tsuke mei), gold inlays, or carvings on the blade.
Samurai would wear a daisho pair when entering and leaving the castle.
In the Shinshinto period, the demand rose again, leading to increased production of tantos.
This piece by Izumi no Kami Minamoto Morimasa is considered to be by the same person as Morikuni.
It is a solid and well-preserved work.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata