Nihonto Message Board

[Jacques D.]

Hi,


Look at this

It seems to me that Gassan Sadakatsu died in 1943.

[huntershooter]

Jacques; Guess I fail to see the problem. Blade is alegedly dated Nov. 1943. Please enlighten me with the issue.

[Brian]

He appears to have passed away on December 24th, 1943 at the age of 74. Some pages say 1942, but this later date seems the most accurate.
If so, then this might be one of the last blades he forged. I don't see any reason for this to be anything less than represented?
http://moderntosho.com/biographies/SadakatsuGassanBio.html

Brian

[IanB]

Jaques,
The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds has a blade by Sadakatsu dated 193? (memory going here) to honour the birth of the Crown Prince. The details are exactly like the sword you refer too.

Ian Bottomley

[Jacques D.]

Hi,

Just a month before passing away i just find that a little strange. but why not?

Also, according the "Gassan Tradition" book, suguha hamon does not match with itame hada, we should find ayasugi.

[Bob M.]

Hi Jacques,

A large number of Sadakatsu swords were produced without Ayasugi hada and whilst this in no way makes them inferior to swords showing the renowned 'Gassan Pattern' , the fact is that most collectors will pay a higher price for blades featuring ayasugi.
From what I have seen of this blade , it looks fine ,if a bit over-priced for the current market . A figure of around $8000.00 would be more realistic - a sword showing good Ayasugi could be +50% or more depending on papers etc.

[Jacques D.]

Hi,
I know that, but Sadakatsu worked essentially for the imperial family and the imperial house ministry. I think that these blades were preciously conserved by the owner's families.

Concerning his work, he worked in Bizen style and Soshu one with their respective features

Ayasugi hada + suguha hamon is the "trade" mark of the Gassan tradition, there is an exception with a blade from Gassan Sadayoshi which was in the Yamato Hosho style (dated from 1867); these blade was done in masame hada with the suguha hamon.

Also i really find strange to see a Gassan Sadakastu on E-bay I've only one exemple to check the mei it is not sufficient.

[bdgrange]

For what it is worth. I have owned three Gassan Sadakatsu katana.
He was capable of working in all styles, I am told. None of mine were done with Ayasugi hada, although that is much desired. He produced blades with the Minatogawa mon and included patriotic kanji on the blade as well. Mine read "felial piety". Or honor your family. These were offered and sold through a major department store in Tokyo before the beginning of WW2, or the greater Pacific War. This made them available to the general public for reasonable price and to be patriotic. They were dated
1933.
The last I owned was done Soshu style and very beautifull. I had it restored in Japan and sold it at the S.F. Taikai in 2005 for $15,000.00
I had invested that much of my own money in it but could not
refuse the cash offer. I do miss it.
bdgrange

[bdgrange]

The one on e bay looks very nice and is probably worth the beginning
offer of 10k but I think they expect more.
bdgrange

[Stephen]

FYI

[Jacques D.]

Hi,


Thanks Stephen (the tanto is from Sadakazu)

this blade seems gimei. Note the yasurime which are not well done (specially kesho), note the difference in the way of handling and applying the tagane.

[Nobody]

[Bugyotsuji]

"This is a consignment from a Japanese dealer, and he does not accept returns. Therefore the sale is final."

Stranger still...

[Stephen]

that was from a Sadakatsu i had on file...its not to say its shoshin for sure.

[Jacques D.]

hi,

Don't worry Stephen "your's" is shoshin Ive found one on Darcy's site you can compare.