A very rare and outstanding blade offered for sale. Gassan Sadaichi is the son of the famous Gassan Sadakatsu, who was the son of the most famous Gassan Sadakazu. Sadaichi took the name of his grandfather, and continued his fame by becoming a living national treasure. His skill, in both swordmaking as well as carving shows well in this blade. What makes this particular blade interesting and rare as well is the fact that it was jointly made with his son Gassan Sadatoshi. Swords by Living National treasure smiths are rarely offered for sale, and most people are not aware of their true inherit value. Sadaichi’s blades are actually very rare, as he did not make many blades after he received his top title. He devoted his time to making his blades very special and of top quality. He was born on November 8, 1907, and passed away on April 1, 1995. He received his title as the 2nd generation Sadaichi (Sadakazu) on 1966, and then was awarded the highest title possible of Juyo Mukei Bunkazai (Living National Treasure) in 1971.
This blade is really spectacular, done in the Soshu style of swordmaking. The wide body with the extended Okissaki matches well the Soshu den hamon. The blade shape is known as “Kanmuri otoshi” which is the style in which the shinogi is beveled in like a Naginata zukuri. The hamon is made up of very fine bright nie done in a gunome notare midare. Ashi, yo and fine kinsuji appear in the hamon. The grain pattern is outstanding as well, done in a ayasugi mokume mix, this hada is fantastic to look at! Chikei and fine ji nie appear all throughout the ji. One can easily tell that this is a masterpiece work by the 2 smiths. And, as if that was not enough, the carving is excellent done by one of the best carvers of the time. One side has the God of War Fudo Myoo deeply carved very expertly showing great skill and strength, and on the obverse is a very traditional suken done in kebori. In top Japanese polish (Living National Treasure blades usually are only polished by the best polishers). A sword of this quality rivals many of that done by older famous smiths and are hardly ever offered to the public for sale. In a top level shirasaya with a rare sayagaki by Sadaichi’s own hand stating that this blade was jointly made with his son, in a special method that is a secret Soshu tradition. This blade was made around 12 years after he received his title of Living National Treasure. |
