Signed: Sukeyoshi (祐義) – “Made at age 85, April 1921 (Taishō 10)”
Blade length: 21 cm
This is a work by Sukeyoshi, a smith of the Bizen Yokoyama school who later moved to Fukuyama in Bingo Province, where he served the Fukuyama domain. The inscription indicates he was still actively producing blades at an advanced age—up to at least 88 years old.
The jihada is a well-forged ko-itame (fine wood grain) with visible ji-nie. The hamon is based on a notare pattern mixed with gunome, with thick nie, and a deep, bright nioiguchi, showing strong activity and clarity.
Sukeyoshi produced blades for high-ranking military officers, including members of the imperial family. His works are frequently evaluated as Hozon or higher-level papers, reflecting both technical skill and historical significance.
The piece is mounted in a large late-Meiji era naval dagger koshirae, featuring a ray-skin covered scabbard.