Lot Essay
This tanto by Sadatsugu (1902-68) is an exact copy of a Yamashiro Awataguchi takenoko-zori (bamboo-shoot shape) blade, typical of the works of Awataguchi Kunitsuna, father of Shintogo Kunimitsu.
Details
AN OSAKA GASSAN SCHOOL TANTO
DATED 1960, SIGNED GOKAMEI MOTTE YOTETSU RYUSEN SADATSUGU KORE(O) SAKU/KOTAISHI DENKA GOSEIKON KINON
Configuration (sugata): of flat, wedge section (hira-zukuri) with tri-bevelled back (mitsu-mune) and uchizori; length (nagasa): 7 sun, 5 bu (22.9cm.); carving (horimono): inside (ura): goma-bashi; outside (omote): kaki-nagashi katana-hi.
Forging pattern (jihada): a dense, fine wood grain (ko-itame),
Tempering pattern (hamon): medium suguba.
Point (boshi): large circle (o-maru) with medium kaeri. Tang (nakago). Shape (keitai): regular and tapering; file marks (yasurime): kesho-yasuri; end (nakagojiri): rounded (kuri-jiri); holes (mekugi-ana): one; signature (katana-mei): Gokamei motte yotetsu Ryusen Sadatsugu kore(o) saku; inside (ura): Kotaishi Denka Gosaikon Kinon (In commemoration of the wedding of the Crown Prince); there is also a secret mark (kakushi-tagane); date (jidai): Showa 35-nen sho-gatsu kichi-nichi (an auspicious day in the first month of Showa 35 [1960]).
Shirasaya.
Yellow silk storage bag. Wooden storage box attested by the artist on the inside cover.
DATED 1960, SIGNED GOKAMEI MOTTE YOTETSU RYUSEN SADATSUGU KORE(O) SAKU/KOTAISHI DENKA GOSEIKON KINON
Configuration (sugata): of flat, wedge section (hira-zukuri) with tri-bevelled back (mitsu-mune) and uchizori; length (nagasa): 7 sun, 5 bu (22.9cm.); carving (horimono): inside (ura): goma-bashi; outside (omote): kaki-nagashi katana-hi.
Forging pattern (jihada): a dense, fine wood grain (ko-itame),
Tempering pattern (hamon): medium suguba.
Point (boshi): large circle (o-maru) with medium kaeri. Tang (nakago). Shape (keitai): regular and tapering; file marks (yasurime): kesho-yasuri; end (nakagojiri): rounded (kuri-jiri); holes (mekugi-ana): one; signature (katana-mei): Gokamei motte yotetsu Ryusen Sadatsugu kore(o) saku; inside (ura): Kotaishi Denka Gosaikon Kinon (In commemoration of the wedding of the Crown Prince); there is also a secret mark (kakushi-tagane); date (jidai): Showa 35-nen sho-gatsu kichi-nichi (an auspicious day in the first month of Showa 35 [1960]).
Shirasaya.
Yellow silk storage bag. Wooden storage box attested by the artist on the inside cover.
Provenance
John Yumoto, San Mateo, California