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SEE CHART BELOW
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| HORIMONO DETAILS
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KANTEI POINTS See chart, which distinguishes the different kanji stokes in all three branches of Yasutsugu school mei. The chart has been separated below in order to point out the differences noted between the second and fourth generation Yasutsugu. The circled areas highlight the stroke differences between the Second and Fourth Generation Yasutsugu. Though subtle these differences are important Kantei points. Close-up photographs of the Nidai mei are provided for additional reference.
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| ECHIZEN YASUTSUGU NIDAI (2nd GENERATION) KANEI 1624 MUSASHI PROVENCE SHINTO PERIOD NANBAN TETSU KATANA RYOWAZAMONO SUGATA: SHINOGI ZUKURI MIHABA: 3.125cm HORIMONO URA: BONJI AND KEN WITH SANKOZUKA OR VAJRA THUNDERBOLT HILT
NIDAI YASUTSUGU Nidai Yasutsugu, of the famous Yasutsugu school of swordsmiths, was known as Shimosaka Ichinojo and was the chakushi of the shodai Yasutsugu. Nidai Yasutsugu's works were the only following generation's works whose skill compared to, and or competed with the Shodai's. It is speculated that some of the Shodai's works include some which were actually made by the Nidai. Nidai Yasutsugu was known two have made two different styles of blades. Blades in the keicho era style reminiscent of the Shodai, and blades with more ordinary dimensions typical of the style seen in the Kanbun era. Most all of the Nidai's works contain the Aoi Mon, as did successive generations. The mei of each successive generation of Yasutsugu was unique, and is an important Kantei point. Most generational mei were different enough to distinguish at a glance, however the Second and Fourth Generation Yasutsugu's were similar. Similar, yet easily discernable when the differences are known. The "Tsugu" character provides the details needed to make this determination. In the charts provided above are the mei for first through fourth generation Yasutsugu. The circled areas highlight the stroke differences between the second and Fourth Generation Yasutsugu. A close-up photograph is provided for additional reference. Nidai Yasutsugu's works were rated Ryowazamono for superior sharpness in the book, Kokin Kaji Bikosen by, Yamada Asaumon Yoshichika. Nidai Yasutsugu also was known for working with Nanban Tetsu or Imported Foreign Steel. Many examples with this fact inscribed in the mei exist, as does this example. Again as did the Shodai's, Nidai Yasutsugu 's works exhibit many beautiful Horimono. The continued collaboration between the Yasutsugu and the Kinai Schools was evident throughout his career. Horimono were much more rare in Katana than in Wakizashi or Tanto. This particular work exhibits a Dragon chasing the Flaming Jewel on the Omote, and a Bonji with Ken and Sankozuka or Vajra Thunderbolt Hilt on the Ura side. After the Nidai the number horimono seen declined dramatically. It is said that during his younger days that he was a member of the Yakuza Gang Dairoppo, or Japanese Mafia. However later in life, perhaps as a penance, he entered the Priesthood and took the name Koetsu-Nyumon. There are a few extant pieces with "Nyumon" inscribed in the mei. Nidai Yasutsugu passed away in 1646.
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