Ordering number:24281
Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)
Signature: Kawabe Gihachiro Fujiwara Masahide (Kao)
Bunka 3 Nen 6 Gatsu Hi(June 1806)
川部儀八郎藤原正秀(花押)
文化三年六月日
Shinshinto: Saijo Saku: Musashi
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyo Saku for Kawabe Gihachiro Fujiwara Masahide (Kao).
Polished.
Single-layer gold-plated habaki.
Blade Length: 70.03 cm (27.56 in)
Curvature: 1.82 cm (0.72 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base: 2.87 cm (1.13 in)
Width at Tip: 1.79 cm (0.70 in)
Thickness: 0.76 cm (0.30 in)
Sword Weight: 730 grams (25.75 oz)
Era: Edo period, 1806
Shape: The blade is broad with two bo-hi on both sides, a high curvature, and an extended kissaki.
Jigane: Fine ko-itame hada with excellent texture.
Hamon: Nioi-deki suguha with small ashi, becoming slightly wider in the middle. Boshi is wavy and turns back round.
Features: The jigane has a brilliant bluish-black hue with a bright, clear hamon, making it a splendid piece.
Aoi Art’s Comment: Kawabe Gihachiro Fujiwara Masahide, a samurai from Yamagata, was born in Kan'en 3 (1750). He changed his name to Masahide in An'ei 3 (1774) and later served the Akimoto family in Edo. He passed away on September 27, 1825. In his prime, he created spectacular hamon like the Osaka Shinto's toranba, but due to the brittleness of these blades, he later chose to forge ko-choji and suguha styles. Initially, he was influenced by Tsuda Sukehiro's praise for Kantei expert Kamada Gyotai, challenging the flamboyant toranba style. Eventually, he recognized the drawbacks and shifted to producing modest works, with his students following this transition. While his early toranba works are still highly valued, his quieter pieces are appreciated by many for their own merits.
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token paper
AoiArt estimation paper
Whole Oshigata
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