Hi Guys,
This is my latest toy - mounted in '44 shingunto fittings but stripped down for your inspection of the blade.
Shigetsugu's influence is apparent and those of you familiar with Yasukunito will instantly see the similarity in the way the simple two character mei, centrally placed and date are to the typical shrine swords.
Akihisa gendaito
Born in Meiji 43rd year (1909). Civilian name Yamagami Juji.
Yamagami (Shigetsugu) Akihisa lived in Nishiyama-cho, Niigata province. He worked at the family forge with elder brother Yamagami Munetoshi. During the war years Munetoshi was considered senior but after the war, Akihisa became more known.
In 1934 he became a student of the famous Ikkansai Kasame Shigetsugu, one time head instructor at the Yasukuni Shrine. Later he was a student at Kurihara Akihide's Nihonto Tanrenjo Denshusho, from whom he got his "Aki" mei.
He became a Rikugun Jumei Tosho in 1941. Both he and his brother occasionally used a circular stamp with "matsu" in the centre on some of their swords, as a trade mark, although it is believed that Shigetsugu personally managed the sale of Akihisa blades.
Before WW2 he won Monbu Daijin Sho - Minister of Education Award, Kaigun Daijin Sho - Minister of Navy Award, Rikugun Daijin Sho - Minister of Army Award in the Shinsakuto exhibitions.
In 1941 he was awarded Tokubetsu Meiyo Seki - Special Honour Seat in the Army Gunto Exhibition.
After the war, in 1954, when the prohibition of sword making was eased, he was one of the limited number of smiths who were granted a sword-forging permit from the Japanese Government and continued his career as a swordsmith. He won many more awards such as Doryoku Sho, Nyusen in the annual Shinsakuto Meito Exhibition while teaching numerous young swordsmiths, including his son, Norihisa.
Hawley's reference: AKI44
Toko Taikan rated ¥1Million.
Akihisa is featured and photographed in Ono (1971) p.174 and again in 1977, p.84.
Signatures: "Yamagami Akihisa", "Akihisa", "Hokuetsu ju Yamagami Chisato Akihisa".
Mostly worked in Itame hada and ko-choji hamon although this sword is based on suguha.
This is my latest toy - mounted in '44 shingunto fittings but stripped down for your inspection of the blade.
Shigetsugu's influence is apparent and those of you familiar with Yasukunito will instantly see the similarity in the way the simple two character mei, centrally placed and date are to the typical shrine swords.
Akihisa gendaito
Born in Meiji 43rd year (1909). Civilian name Yamagami Juji.
Yamagami (Shigetsugu) Akihisa lived in Nishiyama-cho, Niigata province. He worked at the family forge with elder brother Yamagami Munetoshi. During the war years Munetoshi was considered senior but after the war, Akihisa became more known.
In 1934 he became a student of the famous Ikkansai Kasame Shigetsugu, one time head instructor at the Yasukuni Shrine. Later he was a student at Kurihara Akihide's Nihonto Tanrenjo Denshusho, from whom he got his "Aki" mei.
He became a Rikugun Jumei Tosho in 1941. Both he and his brother occasionally used a circular stamp with "matsu" in the centre on some of their swords, as a trade mark, although it is believed that Shigetsugu personally managed the sale of Akihisa blades.
Before WW2 he won Monbu Daijin Sho - Minister of Education Award, Kaigun Daijin Sho - Minister of Navy Award, Rikugun Daijin Sho - Minister of Army Award in the Shinsakuto exhibitions.
In 1941 he was awarded Tokubetsu Meiyo Seki - Special Honour Seat in the Army Gunto Exhibition.
After the war, in 1954, when the prohibition of sword making was eased, he was one of the limited number of smiths who were granted a sword-forging permit from the Japanese Government and continued his career as a swordsmith. He won many more awards such as Doryoku Sho, Nyusen in the annual Shinsakuto Meito Exhibition while teaching numerous young swordsmiths, including his son, Norihisa.
Hawley's reference: AKI44
Toko Taikan rated ¥1Million.
Akihisa is featured and photographed in Ono (1971) p.174 and again in 1977, p.84.
Signatures: "Yamagami Akihisa", "Akihisa", "Hokuetsu ju Yamagami Chisato Akihisa".
Mostly worked in Itame hada and ko-choji hamon although this sword is based on suguha.
)
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