AS25171 Wakizashi:Harima no Kami Fujiwara Tadakuni (First Generation)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Wakizashi: In Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Harima no Kami Fujiwara Tadakuni (First Generation)
播磨守藤原忠国(初代)

Shinto: Wazamono: 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 among works by Harima no Kami Fujiwara Tadakuni.

Habaki: Double-layered plain copper
Blade Length: 54.2 cm (21.34 in)
Curvature: 1.3 cm (0.51 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.22 cm (1.27 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.39 cm (0.94 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.82 cm (0.32 in)
Sword Weight: 600 grams
Era: Early Edo period, Kan’ei era.
Shape: Wide mihaba and thick kasane with an extended kissaki, giving it an elegant and balanced appearance.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada forming typical Hizen-style steel.
Hamon: Nie-deki gunome-midare with a deep nioiguchi and a varied undulating pattern. Boshi is round and returns.

Features: The NBTHK has identified this smith as the first-generation Tadakuni.
Upon examination of literature, some signed works with the name Harima no Kami Fujiwara Tadakuni are attributed to the first generation.
Therefore, this piece is considered a work by the first-generation Tadakuni.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Circular shakudo tsuba with openwork carving of pine trees.
Fuchi: Shakudo nanako-ji with family crest in gold.
Kashira: Horn.
Saya (Scabbard): Ishime black lacquer with a black dragon motif.
Menuki: Plain copper.
Kozuka: Shakudo nanako-ji with carved kabuto and gold highlights.

Aoi Art’s Comment: A Hizen work from around the Keian era, with thick kasane and solid, well-crafted construction.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate(*the paper will be issued later)
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata