Houki No Kami Ason Masayoshi Katana
伯耆守平朝臣正幸 刀
Item TKC 009

Period: Late Edo Period (1st year of the Kyōwa era, 1801)

• Mei (Signature): 伯耆守平朝臣正幸
  享和元年酉八月六十九歳造之

• Designation: Tokubetsu Hozon

• Nakago - Ubu

• Nagasa - 71.8cm

• Sori: - 2.1cm

• Motohaba - 3.3cm

• Sakihaba - 2.3cm

• Kissaki - 4.5cm

• Motokasane - 0.71cm

• Nakago - 19.5cm

Price: ¥ 2,650,000

Master Swordsmith of Satsuma

Hōki no Kami Masayoshi (1733–1807) was one of the leading swordsmiths of Satsuma Province during the Shinshinto period. Alongside Motohira (元平), he is celebrated as one of the "Twin Masters of Satsuma," who together defined the peak of sword production in the domain.

Born in 1733 (Kyōhō 18), his family name was Ichiji (市地), and over the course of his life, he used the personal names Jiemon (治右衛門), Kakazō (角蔵), and Shōei (松栄).

At the beginning of his career, he signed his works as Sasshū-jū Masayoshi (薩州住正良), indicating he was a resident smith of Satsuma Province. As his reputation grew, he was formally appointed as an official swordsmith in service to the Shimazu family, the ruling lords of Satsuma. Upon this appointment, he was permitted to change his signature to Satsuma Kankō Taira Masayoshi (薩摩官工平正良), with "薩摩官工" (Satsuma Kankō) meaning "official swordsmith of the Satsuma fief."

Later, in Kansei Gannen (寛政元年, 1789), Masayoshi was awarded the honorary court title of Hōki no Kami (伯耆守) by the imperial court, formalizing his prestige and status. Interestingly, at the same time, his fellow master Motohira also received a similar court title. Upon receiving the title, Masayoshi made a notable change: he altered the kanji character for "Yoshi" in his name from 良 to 幸, though the pronunciation remained the same.
Because the new kanji (幸) can also be read as "Yuki", he is sometimes referred to as Satsuma Masayuki.

The last known dated blades by Masayoshi are from Bunka 14 (文化十四年, 1817), demonstrating a long and productive career that spanned more than half a century. He passed away two years later, in Bunsei 2 (文政二年, 1819), at the age of 87, having lived a long life dedicated to his craft.

Workmanship of a Satsuma Master - The Katana

This katana by Hōki no Kami Ason Taira Masayoshi exhibits a magnificent sugata typical of his finest works. The blade is forged with a broad motohaba and a thick motokasane, creating a bold and powerful form that reflects the martial spirit of the Satsuma domain.
The ample hira-niku imparts a strong three-dimensional feel to the blade, contributing not only to its visual presence but also to its practical cutting ability.

The blade displays an elegant sori of approximately 2.1cm, offering a graceful and natural curvature that enhances its dynamic appearance. The kissaki is an extended chu-kissaki, harmonizing beautifully with the overall length and width to create a commanding silhouette.

Grand in shape yet refined in execution, the blade carries an air of dignity and strength.
In hand, it feels both substantial and lively, embodying the robust yet elegant character that defines the masterpieces of Masayoshi.

Satsuma-Gane

The jigane of this blade is a finely forged ko-itame hada, showing a beautiful and tight grain structure throughout. Within the surface, there is a mixture of both fine and rough ji-furi — subtle flowing textures created by variations in the forging — adding depth and vitality to the steel. Scattered throughout the ji are ji-kei (small whitish vein-like lines) and distinct white forging lines, both hallmarks of Masayuki’s workmanship during his peak period.

An important feature visible in this blade is the presence of abundant Satsuma-gane (薩摩金).

The hamon is a nie-deki construction, forming a Sōshū-den style o-midare with large, rolling undulations. The pattern is made up of abundant ara-nie, giving the yakiba a bright, textured appearance.

Within the midare, there are frequent togareba — pointed formations — creating a slightly sharp and energetic outline. In some areas, the nie shows signs of nie-kuzure, adding a relaxed, natural feel to parts of the hamon.

Overall, the hamon is expressive yet balanced, complementing the grand sugata of the blade and showing the characteristic features seen in Masayuki’s better works.

Koshirae

This is an excellent example of a Shinshinto period katana, crafted by one of the most celebrated smiths of his time. Hōki no Kami Masayoshi stands as the finest swordsmith of the Satsuma domain and one of the most renowned figures of the entire Edo period.

The blade is accompanied by a very attractive koshirae, a shirasaya, and a quality gold habaki.
Additionally, the koshirae includes a matching tsunagi, ensuring that the fittings are properly supported when the blade is not housed inside.

This offering represents an opportunity to own a blade that combines historical significance, excellent workmanship, and a complete and well-presented mounting.