Takahashi Yoshimune katana

Nagasa: - 65.6 cm
Moto-haba: - 3 cm
Mei: - Hachiman Daibosatsu Minamoto Yoshimune Tsukuru
Date: - Koki Ni Sen Rokubyaku Ni Nen Hachi Gatsu Hi (1942)
Certification: - NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho kanteisho

This is an absolutely fantastic katana by the gendai smith Takahashi Yoshimune. Yoshimune was born in Ehime prefecture and was the brother of Takahashi Sadatsugu, the first swordsmith to be designated a Living National Treasure. He was one of the very best smiths of the showa period and was fluent in many different styles of workmanship but most often chose to work in the Bizen den.

The Yoshimune katana was made in the Bizen tradition, having a wonderful choji hamon with numerous long chikei extending to the edge. The hada is very beautifully forged ko-itame with thick ji-nie and chikei. The very finest restoration was done. The polish was done by Fujishiro Matsuo and the shirasaya is top quality honoki with ivory hatomei. The habaki is very nicely done in silver foil. This sword, representing the finest work of the showa period, is one I can enthusiastically recommend.

Price - $9500