Ordering number:24195
Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)
Signature: Hizen Koku Ju Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro
肥前国住近江大掾藤原忠広
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Hizen Kuni Ju Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro.
Polished. The blade has been carefully polished, revealing the well-defined chikei.
The carvings on the blade are vibrant and the polish is of high quality.
Habaki: Gold foil, single piece.
Blade Length: 69.6 cm (27.4 in)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base: 2.82 cm (1.11 in)
Width at Tip: 1.96 cm (0.77 in)
Thickness: 0.58 cm (0.23 in)
Sword Weight: 535 g
Era: Edo period, around Kanbun era
Shape: The blade has a regular width and thickness, with a well-proportioned curvature and a slightly extended kissaki. The omote side features a richly carved kenmakiryuu (dragon entwining a sword) and the ura side has bonji (Sanskrit characters) and futasuji-hi (two grooves).
Jigane: The tightly forged ko-itame hada (small wood grain pattern) shows a fine ko-nuka hada (rice bran pattern) known as Hizen hada, with prominent chikei.
Hamon: A straight suguha with small nie, bright and clear. The boshi is round with a return.
Features: This sword has intricate carvings on the blade. Although there is no accompanying name, it is believed to be the work of Tadanaga. The craftsmanship is excellent.
Koshirae:
Tsuba: Round iron tsuba with a silver mesh pattern.
Fuchikashira: Iron base with silver designs.
Saya: Lacquered in red with karakusa (arabesque) patterns, the kojiri (end cap) is beautifully made with an iron base and silver inlays.
Menuki: Shakudo base with animal designs highlighted in gold.
Aoi Art’s Comment: Hizen swords, such as this one, can have prominent chikei in the jigane or exhibit a ko-nuka hada. Swords with chikei are considered remarkable and have excellent jigane. While preferences vary, swords with chikei are generally favored.
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata