SWORD #245-58 - BIZEN TOSHIRO SUKESADA

No matter how much I seek, examine and enjoy the works of the many traditions, I always come back to the Bizen tradition as my favourite. Mainly because of the variety of schools that developed within the same tradition. Each school has it's own distinctive characteristics to appreciate and enjoy.

Bizento historically occupied a pre-eminent place in the history of sword making based on its' quality and continuous uninterrupted production. Bizen province was a natural place to make swords due to the best natural iron sand found in the riverbeds and the best charcoal made from the forests of Bizen. Many of the national treasure swords came from Bizen schools.

Toshiro Sukesada as listed in my book. "The Sixty Generations of the Sukesada Family" is the ninth generation whose father Genbei No Jo was 4th generation. Both of whom were master sword smiths listed ninety points out of one hundred.

Length: 48.8 cm
Type: Wakisashi
Period: 1573-80 AD
Style: Shinogi Zukuri
Class: Saijo Saku
Condition: Excellent.

Construction: Wide and thick blade with Mokume grain mixed with Itame grain. The temperline is a Choji Midare pattern in Nioi Deki mixed with Nie. It is in Sashikomi polish.

Koshirae: It is in a black lacquer in fine condition with matching Tsuba & Fuji Kashira.

Nakago: Signed and dated Bishu Osafune Sukesada. Dated Tensho Eight Year Second Month.

Remarks: A fine special order blade by Toshiro Sukesada. A master craftsman whose Father Genbei No Jo was also a master craftsman. 1558 - 1570