AS24780 Katana:Hizen Kuni Ju Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Hizen Kuni 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 work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works by Hizen Kuni Ju Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro. Habaki:
Blade Length: 72.0 cm (28.35 in)
Curvature: 1.6 cm (0.63 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.2 cm (1.26 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.2 cm (0.87 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.72 cm (0.28 in)
Sword Weight: 825 g
Era: Edo period, around Kanbun era (1661–1673)
Shape: The blade is wide with thick Kasane, carved with Bo-hi on both sides, has a noticeable curvature, and a relatively long Kissaki.
Jigane: Itame-hada is well-forged and becomes a refined Ko-itame-hada, known as Hizen-jigane, forming Konuka-hada.
Hamon: A Nioi-based Chu-suguha with well-formed Ko-ashi working actively and extending long toward the tip. Boshi: Formed with Nie, round shape with an active Kaeri.

Features: Hizen Kuni Ju Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro is known for producing many works with Suguha Hamon and deep Nioikuchi. However, this piece shows a Chu-suguha with active Ashi, creating a gorgeous impression. The signature is skillfully carved, and there is only one Mekugi hole, and the blade remains healthy. After the death of the first-generation Tadayoshi, the second-generation Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro flourished. Recently, a work by the second-generation Omi Daijo was designated as Tokubetsu Juyo Token, which caused much excitement. It is believed that the Hizen-jigane, a distinctive feature of Hizen swords, was carefully maintained under the Nabeshima domain’s control. Likely, beautiful swords like this one were exported to other countries. Neighboring provinces could not replicate the quality of Hizen-jigane, although they could mimic the Hamon style seen in Bungo province. This piece displays an outstanding Jigane and an excellently crafted Hamon. It is highly recommended.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata