Japanese Gendai Tachi Katana with Horimonos on Blade, Signed "Yamaguchi Kiyofusa"
Sale 2030 - Arms, Armor and Militaria
Oct 23, 2024
10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati
Estimate
$1,500 -
$2,500
Lot Description
Japanese Gendai Tachi Katana with Horimonos on Blade, Signed "Yamaguchi Kiyofusa"
27.25" nagasa. 38.5" overall. Shinogi-zukuri blade with single hole nakago and long mei to both sides. Mei translates to "Yamaguchi Kiyofusa Made This", and is attributed to Gendai swordsmith Yamaguchi Takeshi (Worked under the surname Kiyofusa). The other side of nakago possibly reads "Showa Roku Jyu Go Nen." Blade features horimonos to both sides, a chu-kissaki, ihori mune, suguha hamon, itame hada, and possible hakikake boshi that is obscured by hada. Blade is mounted in a blonde shirasaya and has a copper habaki. Included with item is a purple silk carry bag.
Yamaguchi Takeshi (Kiyofusa) was born December 4th, Showa 7 (1932). He apprenticed under Masamine Sumitani, who was recognized as a "National Living Treasure" by Japan in 1970 for his contributions to sword making. Kiyofusa became independently accredited to create swords in Showa 44 (1969), and established his workshop in Morioka City, Iwate prefecture. Since Showa 45 (1970) he has exhibited and been entitled at many national nihonto competitions, finally receiving the title of Mukansa in 1987. "Mukansa," is a title awarded to swordsmiths who have won each title several (at least eight) times and are considered to be one of the best modern smiths. To date, only 39 smiths have received this title. According to several Japanese sword dealers/websites, he is 92 and still enthusiastic about forging.
Yamaguchi Takeshi (Kiyofusa) was born December 4th, Showa 7 (1932). He apprenticed under Masamine Sumitani, who was recognized as a "National Living Treasure" by Japan in 1970 for his contributions to sword making. Kiyofusa became independently accredited to create swords in Showa 44 (1969), and established his workshop in Morioka City, Iwate prefecture. Since Showa 45 (1970) he has exhibited and been entitled at many national nihonto competitions, finally receiving the title of Mukansa in 1987. "Mukansa," is a title awarded to swordsmiths who have won each title several (at least eight) times and are considered to be one of the best modern smiths. To date, only 39 smiths have received this title. According to several Japanese sword dealers/websites, he is 92 and still enthusiastic about forging.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Condition Report
Very good plus. Blade has great state of polish, with very few light scratches and some scattered notes of smudging/cloudiness to both sides.
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