MASATAKA (政賢), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Tōkyō – “Bushū Mitake-sanroku-jū Masataka” (武州御岳山麓住政賢), real name Takano Ken´ichi (高野賢一), he was born November 5th 1891 and studied under Sakai Ikkansai Shigemasa (酒井一貫斎繁政), he lived in the city of Ōmi (青梅) in Tōkyō Prefecture.

This blade is a monumental piece in the Sō-den Bizen tradition, clearly evoking the dynamic and flamboyant style of Bizen Chōgi. With an impressive nagasa of 76 cm and an motohaba of nearly 35 mm, the sword exhibits a bold, martial presence. The sugata is powerful and wide, with a broad shinogi-ji, shallow sori, and a prominent ō-kissaki, giving it a distinctly Nanbokuchō-period grandeur. The nakago is long, with deep curvature and expertly finished yasurime, and remains in pristine condition with a clear mei and date.

The hamon is a vigorous and complex chōji-midare, deeply expressive, appearing to be an homage to the exuberant works of Chōgi and the Ichimonji tradition. The habuchi is brilliantly lit with ko-nie, showing fine ashi, yō, and intermittent sunagashi, creating a rich and animated yakiba. The hada is a well-forged itame with areas of flowing mokume, and displays abundant ji-nie.

$7,250 + shipping & PP