F13099(S1897) Katana signed Yamato-no-kami YASUSADA The 21th JUYO TOKEN
Shinto Early Edo period (Meireki - Kanbun era/1655-) Bushu
Length of cutting edge 87.1cm Curvature 1.4cm Width of base 32.5mm Width of Yokote 21.5mm Thickness of base 7.3mm Length of Boshi 36.0mm Length of Nakago 24.8cm
Blade construction : Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune. Extra-large Katana holding shallow Sori curvature leading to a medium tip of Kissaki that appeares with the Kanbun era that is referred as Kanbun-shionto-sugata 寛文新刀姿. (click HERE for higher resolution image)
Engraving(Horimono) : A title of God "MARISHISONTEN 魔利支尊天" is engraved in front Hakiomote and the other side has a Sanskrit God character of "FUDO-MYOUOU 不動明王" also God of "HACHIMAN 八幡" above a lotus pedestal "RENDAI 蓮台".
Forging(Hada) : Jigane steel ware is well-kneaded Itame and small swirling grain marks of Mokume-hada. Sparkling martensite crystals Ji-nie appears against well refined bluish Jigane to generate black gleaming lines of Chikei over the Hiraji surface.
Temper(Hamon) : Hamon is Flamboyant Ō-midare in full of dynamism. A rather on stronger side martensite crystals Nie-based, undulating wide Notare with Gunome, Tassel shape of Choji-ha with slanted Choji or pointed head of Togari-ha. Boundary line glows brilliantly with sparkling martensite crystals of Nie and deep in the Nioi-mist-like crystalline area where Gunome-feet of Nie splashes into the cutting edge, short lines of Nie-Sunagashi sparkles appears and thick lines of Kinsuji is perceived around upper Monouchi area.
Temper of tip (boshi) : Boshi in front forms a Gunome outline then large circle and the other side do a 2-Gunomes, medium circle turns back.
Tang(Nakago) : Extra-long NakagoUBU original, deep on both Hamachi and Munemachi and much degree of tapering to Kurijiri heel. Yasurime is gradually greater slanting left Ō-sujikai to show one of his characteristics. Back ridge of Nakago is a bit contoured with Ō-sujikai filemark. The large inscribed signature starts with the title Yamato-no-kami 大和守 and a name of smith YASUSADA 安定.

Famed smith Yamato-no-kami YASUSADA 大和守安定 ranks Above Superior Made "Jou-jō-saku" and performs Super Sharp cutting ability "Yoki-wazamono". Real name Tonda Soubei 冨田宗兵衛(飛田宗兵衛). Formerly reported his place of birth was Echizen province (now Fukui pref.) and a disciple of Yasutsugu 2nd 二代康継. However recent investigation proves that he was born in Kishu province (now Wakayama pref.)
Because of his posthumous work which is dated Kanbun 7th (1667) at the age of 50 years old, it is known that he was born in Gen'na 4th (1618). He had been closely related with smith YASUHIRO 安広 (康広) who belonged to Kishu-Ishido school 紀州石堂派 and went up to capital Bushu Edo on about the early years of Keian (1648-) to set his atelier at Kanda Shirogane town.
In view of the major character observed in his workmanship as well as the records of official cutting performance result by Yamano swordsman, It is understood that he learned from a senior smith Izumi-no-kami KANESHIGE 和泉守兼重 and had influence with Nakasone KOTESU 中曽祢虎徹 in the same school.
Cutting test that results in as many as up-to 5 bodies proves that it's greatest keen edge with sharp performance exceeds even Nakasone KOTETSU 中曽祢虎徹 and enjoyed the greatest confidence and popularity from Samurai warriors in capital Bushu Edo.
In late Edo period, his reputation rose in fame again because the Yamato-no-kami YASUSADA 大和守安定 Katana owed by Okita Soji 沖田 総司, captain of the unit of SHINSENGUMI
1).
This majestic sword is the longest among identified existing Katanas of Yamato-no-kami YASUSADA. HORIMONO carvings displays owner's strong faith in Gods and Buddha and would bear in mind offering to a Shinto shrine. Superfine selected steels gives off the most brilliant sparkles as well as sophisticated engravings HORIMONO creates unconventional style in Edo period.
Awarded with the designation of 21th JUYO TOKEN in 1973.
Gold foiled Habaki collar, preserved in Shirasaya plain wood mounting.
1) Okita Soji 沖田 総司( 1842 or 1844 - July 19, 1868) was the captain of the first unit of the SHINSENGUMI, a special police force in Kyoto during the late shogunate period. He was one of the best swordsmen of the Shinsengumi.
reference :
21th JUYO TOKEN ZUROKU
HONMA Kunzan/ISHII Masakuni, Nihonto Meikan, Yuzankaku, 1976
SATO Kanzan, Edo-shinto Meisaku-shu, Benrido, 1969
 
Katana signed Yamato-no-kami YASUSADA
Katana signed Yamato-no-kami YASUSADA
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