The blade is absolutely stunning work from the late Sukeyoshi of the Yokoyama, the signature reading “Bizen Osafune-Shi Sukeyoshi Ju Hachi-ju Hachi Saku, and dated Taisho 13th 8th month (1924AD August). He literally saw the evolution and modernization of Japan within his lifetime, from the Samurai Era of Edo period, to the Meiji period where we saw the abolishment of the Samurai class, all the way into the early 20th century known as Taisho period. While most smiths had to find other form of work Sukeyoshi was one of the few that survived and prospered due to his talent and perseverance. Inscribed in the nakago “Ju Hachi-ju Hachi Saku” translates that he made this piece at the ripe age of 88 years, most likely one of his last pieces. Also in his signature he mentions how he is 58th generation Yokoyama descendant, imagine 58 generations of passing down techniques and secrets used by a school. The Yokohama school was of the Bizen Tradition, the Bizen tradition being one of the original Gokuden (Five originating schools). He was also the master of Sakurai Masatsugu. The work is nothing less of what we would expect of Sukeyoshi, it has an incredible temper line of the Choji style we are accustom seeing in Yokoyama school work. The blade is rather heavy and intimidating.
The fittings are equally incredible, made from all high quality shakudo which is a gold/copper mixture. The theme is insects and foliage, with the preying mantis as the focal point. What catches the eye immediately is the stunning lacquerwork on the sheath, we almost never see this colour so it is refreshing. It also has a dragon Wari-Kogai (chopsticks), a very nice set where the image combined from both halves makes the dragon. The Tsuba alone is a piece worth collecting and to have it in this set only compliments the piece.
