japanese sword / nihonto

A spectacular find this superb example of one of the most prolific Shinshinto smiths Sukekane is a real treasure, This sword has a brilliant Juka-choji that just pops off the blade in a bright nioi deki. Sukekane was best in the Yokoyama Mon even surpassing his teacher Sukenaga in creating the unique choji midare of the Juka style which was a beautiful variation of the Kobushigata choji midare style which resembles the Sakura flower (Japanese Cherry Tree Blossom).

He was the adopted son Yokoyama Sukermori and was called Yokoyama Toshiyoshi. Because Kaga No Sukenaga signed the mei of TOMONARI GOJUROKUDAI MAGO ( 56th generation grandson ), this smith was called the grandson in the 58th generation but of no blood relation.

He tempered with the Bizen den choji midare ha in the same manner as Yokoyama Sukenaga in the late part of the Shinshinto period. This Bizen Yokoyama ha all tempered in the same manner of the Bizen Choji midare without any changes and one can instantly recognize this once you witness the hamon. All of these swordsmiths were very competitive in producing this unique style of choji midare and Sukekane was one of the best to do so.

Swords produced by Sukekane in this unique style are the most sought after by collectors of this Den. This particular sword is not only a master work example of this tempering but the sword was mounted equally as wonderful to truly appreciate its beauty as one of the best of the Yokoyama school of this Shinshinto era. True collectors of this period must possess a sword of this caliber from the Yokoyama school.

This sword is made in the shinogi zukuri style and the hamon is in nioi deki choji midare with a predominant juka choji mixed in, and is astoundingly beautiful!! The Jitetsu is a tight fine ko-itame that appears as Nashiji hada above the hamon in places ( PEAR SKIN ). And because of its extreme beauty with no clumping in either the ji or the ha this sword must have been one that Sukekane took great pleasure in .

The sword is signed and dated and translates as :

" BIZEN NO KUNI OSAFUNEYOKOYAMA SUKEKANE "

" KAEI ROKU NEN HACHI GATSU HI " " ONE DAY IN AUGUST 1853 "

ONI ( DEMON ) THEMED KOSHIRAI

The kosherai is an original work of Art. The Fuchi / Kashira is a very high quality of Shakudo, Gold and mixed soft metal. The motif is rarely found of an Oni engaging a Samurai as it is sought after by collectors. The menuki are of Gods floating in the heavens. The Kodzuka handle is a signed matching ONI engaging a Samurai Motif. This piece is finished in a deep red soft metal of copper with much gold. The tsuba is a very old rare Koto Sukashi OWARI style. The saya has a mottled lacquered effect with a multiple shading effect. The habaki is a brilliant gold foiled piece original to the blade.

Don't miss this chance to own this quality Shinshinto sword and mounts!!!!!