Dr. Compton + Yasukuni Yasutake gassaku tanto in box

[Ray Singer]

A historically important tanto made in collaboration (gassaku) with Dr. Walter Compton, who did the hamon (performed yaki-ire). Made with the Yasukuni smith Yakuwa Yasutake. For full disclosure, this sword has a hagire (crack) likely due to this sword having been quenched by Compton. Dr. Compton was one of the most important early collectors of Japanese swords in the US and, among many activities, is best known for his return of the National Treasure Kunimune to Japan. 

 

YASUTAKE (靖武), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Tōkyō – “Yakuwa Yasutake saku” (八鍬靖武作), “Tōto ni oite Yakuwa Yasutake kore o saku” (於東都八鍬靖武造作), “Tōto-jū Yasutake” (東都住靖武), real name Yakuwa Takeshi (八鍬武), he was born December 7th 1909 in Sakegawa-mura (鮭川村) in Yamagata Prefecure, in July 1935 he moved to Kyōto to study under Ikeda Yasumitsu (池田靖光), the minister of war granted him the smith name Yasutake in 1944, from that time onwards he also became independent, it is said that after World War II, he did not forge until 1973, i.e. after a break of 28 years, he died in 1984

 

SOLD 

[Matt D]

Where is the hagiri?

[Matt D]

I think I see it in the ninth photo from the top.

[cisco-san]

yes seems so, but the blade looks quite nice anyway

 

[Michael Kleppin]

It is a gorgeous blade and the more I read about, Yakuwa Yasutake and Dr. Compton the more I'm understanding its importance.  I'm curious Ray, do you happen to know the time period/date in which it was forged?  

[Ray Singer]

I believe this zodiac date of Showa hinoe-uma translates as 1966.

[Michael Kleppin]

Thanks Ray, and thank you for the opportunity to have it.  It's a wonderful addition.  

[DRDave]

Congrats Michael.    Love the provenance.

[Ray Singer]

@Brian, please move to the archives. 

 

Thank you, 

Ray