Ordering number：AS24557

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Hizen Koku Tadayoshi (8th generation)
肥前国忠吉(八代）

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku). This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among works by the 8th generation Tadayoshi.
Polished to the highest standard
Habaki: Gold-plated, double-layered
Blade Length: 2 shaku 2 sun 9 bu 5 rin (69.4 cm / 27.32 in)
Curvature: 6 bu 5 rin (1.97 cm / 0.78 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.07 cm (1.21 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.06 cm (0.81 in)
Thickness: 0.52 cm (0.20 in)
Sword Weight: 685 g
Era: Ansei era of the Edo period
Shape:Standard thickness and curvature, with a slightly extended tip and a koshi-hi carved.
Jigane: The jigane is of excellent quality, resembling a pear-skin texture.
Hamon: The hamon is a deep nioi-based suguha with soft, prominent ashi and yo appearing actively. The boshi is rounded with a sweeping return.

Features: Tadayoshi, the 8th generation, was adopted by the 7th generation Tadayoshi and went by the name Hashimoto Shinzaemon. Despite being offered an official rank later in life, he resolutely declined. He passed away on May 26 of Ansei 6 at the age of 59, a time marked by frequent earthquakes. The Treaty of Peace and Amity between Japan and the United States was signed on March 3 of Ansei 1. Among Hizen blades, I consider the finest works to be those by Mutsu no Kami (3rd generation), the first generation Tadayoshi, Omi Daijo Tadahiro, and then the 8th generation Hashimoto Shinzaemon Tadayoshi. This blade by the 8th generation Tadayoshi features outstanding jigane with a deep nioi-based suguha, active with small ashi and yo. The deep nioiguchi enhances the recommendation for this remarkable piece.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Circular shakudo tsuba (presentation tsuba)
Fuchikashira: Shakudo with a fish-roe texture, featuring a high-relief carving of a lion and gold inlay.
Saya (Scabbard): Glossy black lacquered.
Menuki: Shakudo with high-relief carvings of peonies with gold inlay.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This work by Hashimoto Shinzaemon Tadayoshi is exceptionally crafted, and the koshirae is both elegant and prestigious, likely intended for a high-ranking retainer of the domain. This is a highly recommended piece due to its superior craftsmanship.

Historical Context: The Ansei era was marked by frequent earthquakes and political events such as the Ansei Purge (Ansei 5) and the assassination at Sakuradamon (Ansei 7).

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
AoiArt estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:1,400,000JPY

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