ujka107 – A Sa Sadayoshi Katana (刀, 無銘, XXXX)
48th NBTHK Jûyô Tôken
Item No.: ujka107
Type: Katana (o-suriage)
Swordsmith: Sa Sadayoshi (attribution)
Location: Chikuzen Province
Period: Middle Nambokucho period (Bunna era: 1352~1356)
Length: 70.4cm
Curvature: 2.4cm
Motohaba: 3.3cm
Jihada (surface skin): Shallow notare kokoro and nie-kuzure and saki tsukiage-like
Hamon (temper line): hallow notare, koashi, sunagashi in hachu, kinsuji, muneyaki
Nakago (tang): o-suriage
Koshirae: Custom koshirae in samurai theme
48th NBTHK Juyo Token Certificate (a sword designated as Important and Profound by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword)
This sword has been SOLD
Overview
Behold a 650-year-old katana of grand proportions…
This spectacular piece has been attributed to Sadayoshi of the Sa School from Chikuzen province in Kyushu. It has the honour of having achieved NBTHK Juyo Token certification in 2002, the 48th session.
The founder of The Sa School in Kyushu is O-Sa (Saemon Saburo Yasuyoshi). He signed his name as simply “Sa” and was considered one of Masamune’s 10 great students.
Notable students of the Chikuzen Sa School were Yukihiro (the son of O-Sa), Yasuyoshi, Yoshisada, Yoshihiro, Kunihiro, Hiroyasu, and Sadayoshi, the craftsman who this blade is attributed to.
Sadayoshi is said to be the son of Yasuyoshi, a swordsmith whose swords have reached the Juyo Bunkasai level, known as an Important Cultural Property. Only one step away from National Treasure status.
This sword was once a splendid tachi carried on horseback during the warring mid-Nambokucho period (1338-1367). It has been shortened to its current length of just over 70cm (cutting edge).
A majestic curvature of over 2cm graces the blade. Sa School blades personify harmony of strength and beauty.
The hamon is a gentle notare wave, and the jihada (surface skin) is exquisitely forged resulting in a ko-itame and mokume that resembles the annual rings of a tree.
The yakiba (area of the hardened edge) is bright white which contrasts beautifully against the darkish-blue jihada.
As the katana was acquired in shirasaya only (long-term storage scabbard), it was decided with the client to build a custom koshirae (sword fittings).
The theme selected was that of Samurai warriors. Given that the sword was made during a time of intense battle known as the Nambokucho Period, it seemed most appropriate. The results speak for themselves…
Please scroll to view images and discover information regarding this formidable katana.
*Photos by Eric Bossick for Unique Japan
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If this sword is of serious interest to you, please inquire to its availability and we’ll contact the owner to see if they are willing to part with their piece.
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