Real Masterpice Tachi Katana of Mastery Satsuma yoshi Uwa Genpei (1797) NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon paper.
€ 18.500,00
1 in stock
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Description
Katana by Satsuma Yoshi Uwa Genpei (Oku Genpei)
Late Edo Period — Kansei 9 (1797)
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Sayagaki by Kanzan Satō
This outstanding late-Edo period katana was forged in the spring of Kansei 9 (1797) by the renowned Satsuma master Satsuma yoshi Uwa Genpei, more widely known as Oku Genpei. A leading figure of Satsuma Shinshintō, Genpei produced blades celebrated for their bold form, powerful hamon, and vigorous nie activity—qualities perfectly embodied in this exceptional work.
Dimensions and Construction
The blade presents an impressive and dynamic presence:
Nagasa: 76.3 cm (2 shaku 5 sun 2 bu)
Curvature (sori): 2.3 cm
Motohaba: 3.6 cm
Sakihaba: 2.4 cm
Motokasane: 0.73 cm
Shinogikasane: 0.82 cm
Sakikasane: 0.65 cm
Kissaki: 4.2 cm
Nakago: 22.8 cm
Weight: 1,107 kg
The blade’s construction features a strong, ribbed shinogi and well-defined ridge line, creating a broad, commanding silhouette. Its deep curvature combined with a slightly extended tip produces an elegant, yet powerful sugata typical of high-level Satsuma work of this era.
Artistic Characteristics
This katana is shaped with a long, dignified sugata and a wide, robust kissaki—hallmarks of Oku Genpei’s mature style.
The hamon, a vibrant gunome-midare, exhibits:
Frayed, irregular activity (uchikake-fu and yunashiri-kakari)
Approximately twenty small clings and leaf-shaped formations
Abundant ashi (downward “legs”) adding rhythmic depth
A rich scattering of nie, bright and crystalline
Frequent golden boiling lines (kinie) woven throughout the edge
The result is a lively, brilliant surface with exceptional clarity and strength. The hamon’s deep nie layer gives the blade a dramatic visual presence—an unmistakable signature of Satsuma masterwork.
The Smith: Oku Genpei
Born in 1744 as Oku Kozaemon, Genpei was the eldest son of the swordsmith Oku Motonao. Trained within this tradition, he rose to prominence through both skill and innovation.
Key milestones in his life:
Became an official smith to the Shimazu clan at age 38
Awarded the prestigious court title Yamatonokami in 1789 (Kansei 1)
Recognized as one of the two greatest masters of Satsuma Shinshintō, alongside Hoki no Kami Masayuki
Celebrated today as one of the foremost figures of the entire Shinshintō period
Oku Genpei passed away on 15 July 1826 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of works admired for their strength, flamboyance, and bold activity.
Historical Significance
Forged when Genpei was 54 years old, this sword represents the height of his craftsmanship—an artist working at the full maturity of his abilities.
Notably, the blade is signed without reference to its title Yamatonokami, reflecting the Satsuma tradition of allowing the workmanship itself to speak for the smith’s mastery.
This sword bears the prestigious NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token designation, confirming its exceptional preservation, historical value, and artistic importance.
Further enhancing its significance, the sayagaki is written by Kanzan Satō, the founding director of the NBTHK and one of the most influential sword scholars of the 20th century. His attribution underscores the blade’s cultural weight and authenticity.
Conclusion
A powerful, brilliantly active katana from one of Satsuma’s greatest masters, this blade combines remarkable physical presence with refined artistic expression. With Tokubetsu Hozon certification and sayagaki by Kanzan Satō, it stands as a distinguished example of late-Edo sword artistry—worthy of both advanced collectors and museum-level appreciation.This sword is a very good candidate for the NBTHK Juyo paper.
