説明
Modern Japanese Sword Tanto Signed by Sadakazu with NBTHK
Tokubetsu Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
Summary
This blade was signed by Taia Gassan Minamoto Sadakazu (太阿月山源貞一) on July 1975 in Osaka. Below the signature, there is a Kao (花押: stylized signature) and the engraving of “応南平家需” means he made this blade for 南平家 family. It is also believed that this blade is a blade for Omamori Gatana (お守刀). It is recorded that this type of blade was first made around 1182, and was often given to children and women in Samurai society, as it was believed to have spiritual power to exterminate demons and monsters.
Sadakazu is also known as the second-gen Sadakatsu as his grandfather used the same maker’s name. the seond-gen Sadakazu was born in 1907 as the child of Gassan Sadakatsu. He started learning sword-forging techniques from his father in in 1918 and he first signed Sadamitsu (貞光). During and after the world war II, he played an important role in the preservation of the refined sword-forging techniques. Sadakazu was the head of the Osaka Gassan school (大阪月山鍛冶), and was recognized as a Living National Treasure (人間国宝) by the Japanese government in 1971. That means that this blade was forged after he became a Living National Treasure of Japan.
Gassan Sadakatsu (father), the first-gen Sadakazu (grandfather), Sadayoshi (great grandfather)
Gassan Sadakatsu was born in Osaka in the second year of the Meiji era (1869) as the son of Gassan Sadakazu and grandson of Gassan Sadayoshi, two of the most famous swordsmiths during the late Edo-early Meiji period.
Sadakatsu learned sword-forging techniques from his father in his childhood. You can barely find the blades signed by him before the 7th year of the Taisho era (1918) because he dedicated himself to assisting his father. In that sense, this blade is very rare one. From the 10th year of the Taiso era (1920), his craftsmanship was highly recognized by Ichiki Kitokuro, Minister of the Imperial House. And, Sadakatsu was assigned to forge blades for the imperial family members. Sadakatsu also forged many blades for the Japanese navy/army generals.
After his father, Gassan Sadakazu, deceased, Sadakatsu took over Gassan school and trained many skilled apprentices. Gassan Sadakazu, his third son, and Takahashi Sadatugu, his apprentice, became the national treasures of Japan in their career. Sadakatsu died on December 24th, 1943.
The first-gen Sadakazu was born as the son of the Tsukamoto family in Omi province(today’s Shiga prefecture) in 1836. Sadakazu was adopted by Gassan Sadayoshi(月山貞吉), one of the most famous swordsmiths in Osaka prefecture when he was seven years. Sadakazu started his training under Gassan Sadayoshi when he was 11 years old. And at incredible speed, he was able to master a lot of complex techniques. According to available records, his first blade was created in 1851 when he was 16 years old.
Gassan Sadayoshi founded Gassan school in Osaka in 1833. While Gassan school had been known as one of the most prestigious schools from the Kamakura period(late 12th century), its presence faded in the early-mid Edo period. However, after Sadayoshi became a highly-regarded swordsmith at the end of the Edo period, the whole school flourished again because of his continuous effort and superb craftsmanship.
Gassan Sadakazu supported Sadayoshi, and they spent many years researching traditional Gassan-style swords and finally made Ayasugihada, the signature design of Gassan school. Ayasguhihada looks undulating grain pattern in the Jihada(steel surface), which resembles a Japanese cedar grain. Sadakatsu also mastered creating Ayasugi hada and you can see this grain pattern on this blade the second-gen Sadakazu also mastered from his ancestors.
It is appraised as a
Tokubetsu Hozon Token
(特別保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:日本美術刀剣保存協会). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.
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