AS25121　Katana：Hizen Kuni Junin Tadayoshi Saku (First Generation)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Hizen Kuni Junin Tadayoshi Saku (First Generation)
肥前国住人忠吉作(初代)

Shinto: Saijyo O-wazamono: Saijyo Saku: Hizen
(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 of Hizen Kuni Junin Tadayoshi.
Habaki: Gold foiled single Habaki
Blade Length: 67.0 cm (26.38 in)
Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.04 cm (1.20 in)
Width at Yokote: 2.07 cm (0.81 in)
Thickness: 0.60 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 665 g
Era:Around the Edo(Keicho) period（1596）
Shape: At first glance, this sword gives an impression of antiquity.
It has a well-proportioned width and curvature, with an extended Kissaki, presenting a well-balanced and elegant appearance.
Jigane: The surface grain is clearly visible with Ji-nie, and the Shinogi-ji has a mixture of Itame and Mokume with some Masame.
The Jigane is typical of Hizen’s beautiful texture, resembling Konuka-hada.
Hamon: Nioi-based, straight Suguha with some irregularities.
The Boshi is round and returns beautifully, reminiscent of Enju workmanship.

Features: This sword is signed “Hizen Kuni Junin Tadayoshi Saku.”
Only the first generation added “Saku” at the end.
If it is not written, it would be “Tosa no Kami.”
However, in his later years, he signed as “Tadayoshi Saku.”
Tadayoshi’s signature includes variations such as “Tadayoshi,” “Junin Tadayoshi Saku,” “Musashi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro,” and “Hizen Kuni Tadahiro.”
For the first-generation Tadahiro, the dot in the first character is diamond-shaped, which requires careful attention.
This work is an elegant straight Suguha with Hizen Jigane or Konuka-hada, providing a flawless and long-lasting appearance.

Koshirae: Tsubei-fu Koshirae
Tsuba: Mokko-shaped iron Tsuba, decorated with family crests and wisteria flowers, engraved with “Hachiman Daibosatsu” and signed as “Tohi Ju Noritsugu.”
The back side has a depiction of flags with inscriptions.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanako with Mokko crest in gold.
Saya (Scabbard): Black lacquer with a mixture of straw? and polished finish.
Menuki: Gold (possibly solid gold, though not guaranteed) with high-relief engraving of dragons.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Hizen Kuni Junin Tadayoshi Saku appears to have originally had two Mekugi holes, although only one is visible now.
There seems to be a slight shortening, but it is so subtle that it is hardly noticeable.
This is an outstanding work by the first generation.
The Koshirae is also beautifully matched with the blade.
We highly recommend this piece.

NBTHK Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata