Ordering number: AS25069

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Hizen Kuni Ju Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro
肥前国住近江大掾藤原忠廣

Shinto: Jyojyo Saku: O-wazamono: Bizen
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku based on the craftsmanship of the swordsmith. This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for a piece made by Hizen Kuni Ju Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro.
Fully polished.
Habaki: Silver single foil.
Blade Length: 69.0 cm (27.17 in)
Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base: 3.12 cm (1.23 in)
Width at the Tip: 2.06 cm (0.81 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.64 cm (0.25 in)
Sword Weight: 615 grams
Era: Early Edo period
Shape: The sword has a standard width and thickness with a moderate curvature and an elegant form.
Jigane: Fine ko-itame hada well kneaded with prominent Ji-nie, becoming a so-called Hizen Jigane. The nakago ends in a large rounded jiri.
Hamon: Nie-deki suguba with a deep nioiguchi; the ha has a soft edge with kin-suji appearing like morning mist. The boshi is large and rounded.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Mokko-gata iron tsuba with a 7 mm line engraved around it, inlaid with colored gold paint; the small fittings and koiguchi are inlaid in shakudo.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanako ground with a floral pattern carved in high relief, painted with gold. Signature: Higashigotoko Ishiguro Masatsune.
Saya: Black lacquered saya with a carved pattern.
Menuki: Shakudo nanako ground with peonies carved in high relief, painted with gold.

Features: The swordsmith Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro, a real son of the first generation Tadayoshi and originally named Hashimoto Heisakuro, saw his prime during the Kan'ei to Keian eras (early to mid-17th century) after receiving the title Omi Daijo in 1641 at age 29. Throughout his approximately 60-year career, he did not adopt his father’s name Tadayoshi but continued under Tadahiro, receiving a stipend and accommodations from the clan, contributing significantly to the elevation of Hizen swords. His work, often featuring o-wazamono sharpness, is considered among the best in Hizen steel, just second to his father. He produced a large and varied body of work until his death at age 80 in 1693.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Generally, Tadahiro’s works feature straight temper lines (suguba), attracting many enthusiasts to his changing and skillful suguba works. Amidst this, he also produced some with Midareba patterns. This piece is a beautifully executed suguba with deep nioiguchi and a soft edge, interspersed with kin-suji that intertwine with the sandy streaks (sunagashi), creating a picturesque scene. This is a highly enjoyable and excellent piece with well-crafted fittings, likely owned by a samurai of considerable status. Highly recommended.

Historical Context: The early Edo period was a settled era following turbulent times, but the demand for swords decreased, pushing smiths to create even finer works.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
AoiArt estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:1,300,000JPY

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