Rare chance to own an outstanding sword made by one of the best that worked during the 1900’s. Kasama Ikkansai Shigetsugu was born, Kasama Yoshikazu on April 1, 1886 in Shizuoka. He studied sword making under his uncle, Miyaguchi Ikkansai Shigeyoshi until 1903 when he went to Tokyo and studied under Morioka Masayoshi. Shigetsugu was the master swordsmith at the Nihonto Tenran Denshusho. He is often associated with the infamous Black Dragon Society as he was hand picked by the head of the society Toyama Mitsuru to make blades on his estate that were usually given to important people in the government, military or industry. Toyama Mitsuru was a most powerful individual, so he could have had any swordsmith to do work for him, but he chose one of the best, Shigetsugu to work for him personally.
This blade is one of those that can be considered exceptional in its quality. The hamon of a very nice wide saka choji mixed with a ichimonji styled choji midare shows Shigetsugu’s skill. Very few artist could reproduce such a fantastic hamon during these times. Kinsuji appears, with lots of ashi with yo. The blade has the appearance of an older high level smith’s work, and I have only seen 2 better examples. The forging is a very well knit ko itame with ji nie. Chikei appears in the ji. The boshi is a midare style with a wide look.
In a gorgeous professional Japanese polish, top grade shirasaya and silver habaki. NBTHK hozon certificate also accompanies the piece. Overall this is a masterpiece in quality, and shows well the skill of one of the top smiths of his time. If you had to have just 1 sword to represent a top gendai piece, here it is, there is only a few like this, so think hard!!! |
