AS25622 Katana：Ashu Ju Minamoto Sukesige saku Dated: An Auspicious Day in February, Bunkyū 2 (1862)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Ordering number:AS25622

Katana in Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Signature: Ashu Ju Minamoto Sukesige saku
Dated: An Auspicious Day in February, Bunkyū 2 (1862)
阿州住源佐重作(すけしげ)
文久二年二月吉日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojo Saku (upper-high grade) among the works by Ashu Ju Minamoto Sukesige.
Habaki: Silver with family crest engraved
Blade Length: 84.9 cm (33.43 in)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.15 cm (1.24 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.05 cm (0.81 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.85 cm (0.33 in)
Sword Weight: 1045 g
Shape:This is a long blade at 84.9 cm with standard width and a thick kasane.
The curvature is relatively shallow, and the kissaki is extended.
Jigane:Itame hada with visible grain, showing prominent hada patterns with chikei activity.
Hamon:Suguha hamon with frequent ko-ashi. The boshi returns in a rounded manner.

Features: Ashu Ju Minamoto Sukesige, does not appear in the major swordsmith directories.
However, the workmanship is bright and clear, featuring strongly forged itame with prominent texture.
The blade’s length of about 85 cm is especially noteworthy and impressive.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Iron with openwork design
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanako ground, decorated with bees and plants, colored in gold, silver, and copper
Kojiri: Iron
Saya (Scabbard): Black ishimeji (stone texture) lacquered saya
Menuki: Dragon motif, carved and detailed in gold

Aoi Art’s Comment: There is no doubt regarding the legitimacy of this signature.
Although Awa Province is not particularly known for oversized blades, the production of such a long and well-made katana is truly impressive.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata

Please note: the price does not include the shipping fees.