Aoe Suketsuna

助綱

3 ranked works

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TokujūVol. 5, No. 36 · Tachi

Overview

Suketsuna is a smith of the lineage, active in Province from the late through approximately the mid- period. The swordsmiths of are broadly divided into two groups: those of the Seno Kajishi line tracing their origin to Noritaka, and those of the Kajishi line whose signatures characteristically incorporate the character . Today, however, these are generally grouped together under the broad designation " smiths." While the name Suketsuna also appears among the , Fukuoka , , and Kokubunji lineages, the works attributed to this maker belong specifically to the tradition, which flourished centered on along the basin of the Takahashi River. Extant signed works by this smith are comparatively rare, making each surviving example precious as documentary material.

In terms of workmanship, Suketsuna's blades display the hallmark characteristics of the school. The tends toward , forming a (crepe-like) texture, with frequently appearing alongside well-adhering . The is consistently -based, rendered in , often mixed with , , or ; and enter within the temper, and is sometimes applied. The characteristically runs straight or in shallow , turning back in with slight . are commonly carved through on both sides. The , typically , bears the distinctive practice of cutting the signature on the side with thick chisel strokes. Overall, when compared with contemporary works, the impression is more subdued and austere, with the tending toward .

Suketsuna's surviving consistently exhibit a slender build with pronounced and , preserving an archaic period character that does not descend later than the mid- period. The combination of standing out clearly in the , the restrained -toned temper with , and the signature placement on the side together constitute unmistakable hallmarks of the school. As works by this smith are few, each blade serves not only as an exemplar of craftsmanship but also as invaluable source material for the study of early swordmaking traditions.

Historical importance

Where Suketsuna stands among comparable artisans: across all of nihontō, and within tradition, era, and period. The tiers (Foremost · Leading · Major · Notable) weigh official designations from the NBTHK and Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, together with historical honors of lasting repute such as the Sansaku and Meibutsu-chō.

随一
Foremost
屈指
Leading
有数
Major
著名
Notable

Select a lens to see how it's measured.

Designations

Kokuhō—
Jūyō Bunkazai—
Jūyō Bijutsuhin—
Gyobutsu—
Tokubetsu Jūyō2
Jūyō Tōken1

Elite Standing

Other artisans of the Aoe school

  1. 1.Tsugunao次直26designated
  2. 2.Masatsune正恒1 for sale31designated
  3. 3.Naotsugu直次1 for sale20designated
  4. 4.Yasutsugu康次10designated
  5. 5.Kanetsugu包次9designated
  6. 6.Tsunetsugu恒次12designated
  7. 7.Yoshitsugu吉次1 for sale16designated
  8. 8.Moritoshi守利10designated
  9. 9.Moritsugu守次9designated
  10. 10.Suketsugu助次14designated
  11. 11.Tametsugu爲次7designated
  12. 12.Toshitsugu俊次6designated

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