NBTHK Kicho Papered Gassan SadaKazu

Signature:  Teishitsu Gigeiin (Imperial Court Artisan) Gassan Sadakazu at the Age of 79 (Kao).  Dated Taisho 3, 8th Moon.  Forged for use by Kojima Hakutaro.
Forging Pattern:  Mokume
Tempering Pattern: Choji
Dimensions:  Blade Length:  24.9 inchesNakago: 6.25 inches 6 mm thick 24 mm wide
Mountings:  Shirasaya and gold foiled habaki.
Overall Condition:  Excellent.  In recent polish. An exceptional sword by the Living National Treasure Smith in Bizen Tradition.  Sadakazu was born in 1836 in Omi province and was adopted when he was 7 by Gassan Sadayoshi after his father passed away.  In 1906 he was appointed Imperial Court Artisan.  He passed away in 1918 at the age of 84.  This sword made in 1913 was perhaps one of the last of his work and the elegance and grace of this blade speaks to his illustrious career.