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Lot Essay
The sayagaki attributes this blade to Sa Yasuyoshi, although known signed blades by Yasuyoshi are tanto. The smith is believed to have been the son of Samonji of Chikuzen, who is said to have been one of the pupils of Masamune at Kamakura. He migrated to Nagato, and was succeeded there by at least two further generations. The broad form and even, shallow curve, together with the extended kissaki and the groove ending just above the yokote, indicate work of the early Nanbokucho period. The blade may be compared with lot 11, which has been attributed to Hiroyasu, a contemporary of Yasuyoshi.
The sayagaki includes the name Sa Yasuyoshi Saemon Saburo with the year-era Kenmu (1334-36 or 38), and words to the effect that the sword was said to have once belonged to Matsudaira Toneri, a retainer of the Sakai clan. Another inscription implies a request by a certain Tanaka Yataro in October of 1890.
The sayagaki includes the name Sa Yasuyoshi Saemon Saburo with the year-era Kenmu (1334-36 or 38), and words to the effect that the sword was said to have once belonged to Matsudaira Toneri, a retainer of the Sakai clan. Another inscription implies a request by a certain Tanaka Yataro in October of 1890.