AS25542 Tanto: Akitsugu Saku (Amata Akitsugu) (Living National Treasure). A lucky day in August, Heisei 8 (1996). (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering Number: AS25542

Tanto in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token).

Signature: Akitsugu Saku (Amata Akitsugu) (Living National Treasure).
A lucky day in August, Heisei 8 (1996).
昭次作(天田昭次)(人間国宝)
平成八年八月吉日

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This work ranks as Saijyo Saku among the works of Amata Akitsugu.
Habaki: Double gold Habaki (solid gold, 15 g).
Blade Length: 25.3 cm (9.96 in).
Curvature: 0.0 cm (0.00 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.51 cm (0.99 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.60 cm (0.24 in).
Sword Weight: 170 g.
Shape: A healthy tanto with strong masame appearing within the itame hada, active chikei, a mitsu-mune construction, and ubuha remaining.
Jigane: Itame hada with strong masame mixed in, and active chikei throughout.
Hamon: Nioi-deki suguha with a deep nioiguchi, featuring double temper lines and ko-ashi.
The boshi forms a small round turnback.

Features: Amata Akitsugu was a swordsmith from Niigata Prefecture and the eldest son of Amata Sadakichi.
When Akitsugu was 10 years old, his father passed away, and in 1940 he studied under Kurihara Saburo, devoting himself to the forging of military swords.
After the war, sword production was prohibited, but in 1954 (Showa 29) he received permission to resume swordsmithing and began producing works in the Soshu tradition and kotō style, mastering many forging techniques.
He later received the Masamune Prize and was recognized in 1997 (Heisei 9) as a Living National Treasure under the designation of Important Intangible Cultural Property, becoming one of the foremost modern swordsmiths.
Sadly, he passed away in 2013 (Heisei 25).

Aoi Art’s Comment: It is said that after losing his father at the age of 10 while still in elementary school, he studied swordsmithing under Kurihara Saburo.
He devoted his entire life to sword production, studying classical masterpieces and creating his own distinctive Japanese swords.
This piece displays clearly visible hada and vigorous chikei, combined with a bright and refined suguha with deep nioiguchi and double temper lines, resulting in a magnificent work.
We highly recommend this piece.
As this work is by a Living National Treasure (Important Intangible Cultural Property holder), its value will likely continue to rise significantly over time.
A highly recommended work.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata.

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