Antique Japanese Sword Katana signed Ishihara Yoshisada

Antique Japanese Sword Katana signed Ishihara YoshisadaExperience the exquisite craftsmanship of this katana forged by the renowned swordsmith Ishihara Yoshisada. Featuring a traditional Higo style koshirae, this sword embodies the elegance and simplicity characteristic of the Higo province. Its blade, complemented by the suguha hamon (straight temper line), showcases the refined skills of the swordsmith. Specifications Overall Length with Mountings (): 94. 5 cm Blade Length (): 63. 7 cm Curvature (): 1.

Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of this katana forged by the renowned swordsmith Ishihara Yoshisada. Featuring a traditional Higo-style koshirae, this sword embodies the elegance and simplicity characteristic of the Higo province. Its blade, complemented by the suguha hamon (straight temper line), showcases the refined skills of the swordsmith.

Specifications

• Overall Length with Mountings (拵全長): 94.5 cm
• Blade Length (刃長): 63.7 cm
• Curvature (反り): 1.7 cm
• Tang Length (茎): 20.5 cm
• Width at Base (元幅): 3.1 cm
• Thickness at Base (元重): 0.7 cm
• Width at Tip (先幅): 2.1 cm
• Thickness at Tip (先重): 0.5 cm
• Blade Weight (刀身): 749 grams
• Total Weight without Scabbard (鞘払いで): 969 grams
• Hamon (刃文): Suguha (straight temper line)

Features

• Perfect for Iaido: Ideal for practitioners of Iaido, emphasizing smooth and controlled sword drawing techniques.
• Excellent Condition: The fittings are secure with no looseness or gaps.

Historical Background

Ishihara Yoshisada, whose real name was Jōichi Ishihara, was an accomplished swordsmith active during the pre-World War II era. After the war, however, sword production in Japan was heavily restricted under the U.S. military occupation, which lasted for 8 years from 1945. During this time, swordsmiths were forbidden to craft swords, and many, like Ishihara Yoshisada, did not resume their careers afterward.

This makes his pre-war swords, such as this katana, particularly rare and valuable. This piece represents a custom-made long sword, featuring a distinctive combination of a suguha hamon and refined craftsmanship. 

Owning this katana offers not only a connection to Japan's martial history but also a unique glimpse into the life of a talented swordsmith whose career was tragically cut short by global events.