Katana by Suishinshi Masatsugu with Horimono by Honjo Yoshitane (Dated 1843)

Overview

This katana, dated to Kōka 2 (1843), is the work of Suishinshi Masatsugu, a late Edo-period swordsmith of the Suishinshi lineage. The blade features a professionally executed horimono (engraving) by Honjo Yoshitane, one of the foremost sword carvers of the 19th century. The blade has been authenticated with a Kanteisho certificate issued by the Nihon Token Hozon Kai (NTHK) in 1993.

Swordsmith: Suishinshi Masatsugu

Suishinshi Masatsugu (b. c.1813 – d. 1860) was a prominent swordsmith trained in the lineage of the Suishinshi Masahide school. Born into the Kawabe samurai family, Masatsugu was originally instructed by his father, Sadahide (2nd gen. Suishinshi Masahide), before continuing his training under Taikei Naotane following Sadahide’s early death in 1825.

Masatsugu was one of only three smiths permitted to use the honorary title Suishinshi, indicating his recognition within the revivalist movement known as Fukkōtō. This school emphasized a return to classical sword styles, particularly those of the Kamakura and Nanbokuchō periods.

Masatsugu’s career spanned from the mid-1840s to his death in 1860. He worked primarily in Edo, where he was associated with the Tatebayashi domain, and married the daughter of his mentor, Taikei Naotane.

Blade Characteristics

• Type: Katana

• Date: Kōka 2 (1845), 8th Month

• Nagasa (Cutting Length): 66.0 cm (26.0 in)

• Sori (Curvature): 1.2 cm

• Style: Shinogi-zukuri

• Back Ridge (Mune): Iori

• Point Style (Kissaki): Ikubi

• Tang (Nakago): Ubu, 1 mekugi-ana, kiri-jiri

• Mei: Signed “Kawabe Suishinshi Fujiwara Masatsugu” (with kakihan)

Jihada (Grain Structure)

• Ji: Mokume mixed with itame

• Shinogi-ji: Masame

• The surface texture is refined and uniform, with a slightly darker tone and smooth finish.

Hamon (Tempering Line)

• Style: Gonome-choji midare

• Details: The hamon features fine nioi and nie, along with visible kinsuji, inazuma, ashi, and yo. The structure suggests attention to detail consistent with the teachings of Naotane.

Boshi (Tip Tempering)

• Style: Yakizume (short return)

Horimono: Engraving by Honjo Yoshitane

The horimono work on this blade was executed by Honjo Yoshitane, a skilled artisan from Dewa Province. Yoshitane trained briefly under swordsmiths, including Naotane, but is primarily known for his horimono and kodogu (sword fittings). His work is rated Jō-Jō saku (upper-upper class) and often signed on the tang.

Engraving Details:

• Omote: Marishiten (Buddhist guardian deity)

• Ura: Samkozuka-Ken motif (triple vajra sword)

Mountings (Koshirae)

• Tsuba: Signed, Sōten school with nanako and floral motifs

• Saya: High-gloss black lacquer, multiple coats

• Fuchi-Kashira: Shakudō nanako with gold overlays, castle and floral motifs

• Kozuka: Shakudō with traditional calligraphy tools

• Menuki: Rice bundle motif

• Habaki: One-piece gold

• Storage: Shirasaya included

Certification

• Organization: Nihon Token Hozon Kai (NTHK)

• Date Issued: Heisei 5 (1993), September 26

• Length Recorded: 2 shaku 1 sun 7.5 bu

• Conclusion: Authenticated as a genuine work by Suishinshi Masatsugu

Historical Context

The Suishinshi Masahide school played a central role in the Fukkōtō (復古刀) movement, which aimed to revive classical Japanese sword styles during the late Edo period. Masatsugu’s blades reflect this philosophy in both construction and visual presentation. His teacher, Naotane, was widely regarded as one of the most skilled smiths of the Shintō and Shinshintō eras.

Honjo Yoshitane, the engraver, also contributed significantly to this movement through his detailed and stylistically coherent carvings, often collaborating with prominent swordsmiths of the time.

Condition

• Polish: Excellent

• Flaws: None observed

• Overall Condition: Well preserved and maintained

Conclusion

This sword by Suishinshi Masatsugu, paired with horimono by Honjo Yoshitane, represents a valuable example of late Edo period Shinshintō craftsmanship. The historical pedigree of both the smith and engraver, combined with the high quality of workmanship and preservation, mark this as a rare and academically significant blade within the scope of Japanese sword studies.