Hizen (no) Kuni Masatsugu Shikomizue

[Big Jimp]

Just out of export jail and transferred safely to my care, a katana signed by Hizen Kuni Masatsugu, real name Taguchi Kiichi. He was an accepted army swordsmith and was rated a “one million yen smith” at Toko Taikan.

 

NBTHK Hozon papers issued 2021.

Based on mei location, overall length and the period it was produced, I believe this sword to be a former gunto. It is around 64cm nagasa with 1.5cm sori. Hamon is a well done, regularly thick suguha and jigane is well packed. It is well polished.

 

What really grabbed my eye though is the koshirae, a meticulously made false hiking stick. Shikomizue were often made with wakizashi, yari, sharpened farming implements or chains as the concealed weapon and were mostly made when it was necessary to conceal one’s weapon.

 

It’s interesting to see a gendaito with such koshirae. I wonder if it was made to scratch a particular itch in the previous owner’s collection, or perhaps for some other reason.

[Big Jimp]

[Big Jimp]

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[Bruce Pennington]

Quite a beauty!  I really like the nakago work, too.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Nice Gendai, very unusual to see mounted like this.

[Big Jimp]

Hi Bruce,

 

I was talking with my Sensei the other day and he and I agreed, the little things are big. Good filing on the nakago is one of those little things that really brings a sword to the next level for both of us! And I quite appreciate the little shows of hard work, like the rain pattern on the habaki.

 

,Jim

[nulldevice]

Super clear inscription on the nakago as well! I wouldn't need to spend 10 minutes on https://kanji.sljfaq.org/ trying to draw what I think the kanji is to guess who made a sword if they were all inscribed that cleanly! 

[Stephen]

Man I've always wanted one that,  well done, usually not that robust.  Love it!

[mecox]

James , very nice looking blade and dated December 1942.  On NMB is a paper with his history and examples"

 

[Big Jimp]

11 hours ago, mecox said:

James , very nice looking blade and dated December 1942.  On NMB is a paper with his history and examples"

 

Thank you very much for this document! I knew that Masatsugu had learned from his father and knew a bit about him, but not that he can be considered an 8th generation Hizen smith. The wealth of information NMB continues to provide is incredible.

[Wolfmanreid]

Beautifully executed file work and mei!  lovely piece overall.