Ordering number:AS24751

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae.（NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token）(Consignment Sale)

Signature : Sesshu Ju Fujiwara Sukehiro(1st generation)
摂州住藤原助広（初代）

Shinto:Jyo-Jyo saku;Saijyo oo wazamono cutting test ranking:Settsu.
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo saku, Jyojyo saku Jyo saku and regular saku)
This sword belongs to　Jyo Jyo saku ranking.
Habaki :Gold wrapped single habaki.
Blade length :71.1cm or 28.0 inches.
Sori :1.57cm or 0.62inches.
Mekugi : 3
Width at the hamachi : 3.0cm or 1.18inches.
Width at the Kissaki : 1.57 cm or 0.62inches.
Kasane :0.7 cm or 0.27 inches.
Era : Edo period Kanei era.
Shape : The blade is abour 6cm suriage and Machiokuri
with wide and thick with suitable sori and longer kissaki.
Jigane :Koitame hada well grained with jinie attach beautiful nice oosaka jigane.
Hamon :Konie deki cyoji midare with ashi, Yo and sunagashi ,small kinsuji scatter.
Boshi:Round shape yakisage style.

Features:　The first-generation Sesshu Ju Fujiwara Sukehira was a swordsmith from Settsu who later moved to Osaka and became a disciple of the first-generation Kawachi no Kami Kunisuke.
He is often referred to as Soboro Sukehira due to some of his works bearing the inscription "Soboro."
There are several theories about the meaning of "Soboro." One suggests he lived a disheveled life without concern for his appearance, but the true meaning remains unclear.
Judging from the precise inscriptions on the tang (nakago), it is evident that he was a highly educated swordsmith.
Unlike his master Kunisuke, his style diverged significantly, producing many masterpieces in the Bizen tradition, particularly Ichimonji-style works.
Longer swords are rare among his creations, with most blades being under 2 shaku (approximately 60.6 cm or 23.86 in) or around 2 shaku 1 sun (approximately 63.6 cm or 25.04 in).

Koshirae (Mountings):
Tsuba: Signed Kunihiro.
Fuchi: Made of shakudo with a nanako ground, featuring a high-relief carving of dragons with gold embellishments.
Kashira: Made of horn.
Saya (Scabbard): Black lacquer in roiro finish.
Menuki: Crafted in plain copper (suaka), depicting a large tiger in high relief.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　The works of the first-generation Sesshu Ju Fujiwara Sukehira are rare due to his limited output, making them difficult to acquire.
Most of his pieces are around 2 shaku, and longer works like this one are even rarer.
Many of his works follow the Ichimonji-style, and it is said that some of his blades have had their inscriptions removed and replaced with Ichimonji attributions.
This blade exhibits a vigorous choji-midare hamon that reaches the shinogi line, resembling the works of Nagayuki.
It is a highly recommended piece, classified as Jyojyo Saku (superior work) and Saijo O-wazamono (a sword of the highest cutting ability).
Although it has been shortened (suriage), it remains an exceptional masterpiece.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon　Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
whole Oshigata.

Auction Starting Price:1,200,000JPY

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