14-03: Katana Mumei Gendaito (Yakuwa)

Nagasa: 74.0 cm. / 29.0 in.

Sori: 1.96 cm. / 0.8 in.

Motomihaba: 3.38 cm. / 1.33 in. Sakimihaba: 2.59 cm. / 1.02 in.

Motokasane: .64 cm.  / .25 in.                            Sakikasane: .51 cm. / .20 in.

Mekugi-ana: 1

Description: Mumei gendaito made by “Yakuwa Tadao”

This is a big, strong, well balanced piece, shinoji-zukuri, torri-zori (maybe slight koshi-zori), iroi-mune, standard shape nakagowith kujiri.

Yasurime is katte-sagari.

Jihada is ko-mukome hada, nioi-deki, with ko-notare midare hamon and ko-maru boshi.

Nice custom habaki with polished upper and “rain” pattern lower.

The tsuka and saya are new but fittings are old, Edo period, as is tsuba.

Tōto-jū Yakuwa Musashi, Tōto-jū Yakuwa Musashi kinsaku, civilian name Yakuwa Tadao, born 1944, he signed sometimes also with his civilian name.  He studied under his father Yakuwa Yasutake, a well-known Yasukuni shrine smith.  Yakuwa Tadao is well known for the sharpness of his blades.

Asking Price: $10,000