By Sukesada, signed SukesadaJapan, mid-16th century, Muromachi period (1336-1573)The blade:Hira-zukuri with iori mune, the hamon is hoso-suguha in nioi-deki, the hada is o-itame mokume, with faint utsuri. One side of the blade with a bohi and the other with two goma-bashi. The nakago is ubu with one mekugi-ana, the tip is kuri jiri, the mei (signature) reads SUKESADA.The mounting:The iron tsuba of oval form with one hitsu and a raised rope-twist rim. The plain habaki of copper. The fuchi and kashira by Yasuyuki with gold and shakudo takazogan depicting sea landscapes. The copper kozuka with a relief of the Monkey King (Son Goku), the silver two-part kogai with geometric decoration. The finely red-lacquered saya with a shakudo kojiri, a shakudo and gold fitting depicting fish amid aquatic plants, and an elaborately knotted sageo.The blade is a rare yoroi-doshi (armor piercing) shape with carved horimono engraving to both sides. With a sealed rubbing of the blade.NAGASA 22.3 cm, LENGTH 54 cm (the koshirae)Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and few microscopic blisters.Provenance: Dutch private collection.