AS25160 Katana：Hizen no Kuni Tadayoshi (9th Generation)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Hizen no Kuni Tadayoshi (9th Generation)
肥前国忠吉(9代)

Sayagaki by Mr.Tanobe:
Hizen no Kuni Tadayoshi.
A five-character signature work by the 9th generation Tadayoshi, the final successor of the Hashimoto family line.
Forged with a refined konuka-hada (powdered rice bran grain) and displays a well-formed suguha hamon with a bright nioiguchi forming a belt-like appearance.
A remarkably fine piece among works by this smith.
Although the signature resembles that of his father, the 8th generation Tadayoshi, one can see individuality in the first stroke of the character for “kuni,” which curves like a bow and has a slanted vertical line.
Blade length: 2 shaku 3 sun (approximately)
Signed by Tanzan with kao.

Shinshinto: Jyo Saku: Hizen
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for the 9th generation Hizen Tadayoshi.
Blade Length: 2 shaku 3 sun 1 bu (70.0 cm / 27.56 in)
Curvature: 5 bu (1.5 cm / 0.59 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.18 cm (1.25 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.09 cm (0.82 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.72 cm (0.28 in)
Sword Weight: 725 grams
Era: Late Edo Period, around Ansei era (circa 1854–1860)
Shape: A well-proportioned piece with wide body and thick kasane, deep curvature, and extended kissaki.
Jigane: Well-forged small itame-hada, densely packed and of refined quality.
Hamon: Made in ko-nie, with a deep, bright nioiguchi and active ko-ashi. The boshi is round and returns long.

Features: The 9th generation Tadayoshi was born in 1832 as the eldest son of the 8th generation.
Due to the abolition of the sword-carrying law in 1871, he ceased working, and thus his existence is not widely known.
He passed away in 1880.
The polish has been done well, bringing out the jigane and hamon beautifully, resulting in a bright temper line.
This is a highly recommended piece.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata