AOI Gassan Sadaichi Date

[Bryce]

G'day Guys,

AOIJapan have recently listed a nice tanto by Gassan Sadaichi. They have stated it is dated Showa 5, but I actually think it is more like Showa 50. I don't recognise the kanji immediately after 5. The best I can gather is that it means something like "edict".

Cheers,

Bryce

[Nobody]

You are right. The date is September in 1975 (Showa 50th year).

The year is written as 五寿 instead of 五十 (same sound).

[Bryce]

OK thank you, that makes sense now.

Cheers,

Bryce

[Bruce Pennington]

Please forgive my ignorance, but is Sadaichi in the line of Sadakazu, Sadakatsu, and Sadamitsu?

[Bryce]

G'day Bruce,

Yes Sadaichi (or Sadakazu II) is Sadakatsu's son. He initially signed Sadamitsu and is the father of the current smith Gassan Sadatoshi.

Cheers,

Bryce

[Bruce Pennington]

1 hour ago, Bryce said:

He initially signed Sadamitsu

Ok, so one of those cases where the smith changed his art name at some point.