AS25403 Wakizashi:Dewa Kami Fujiwara Sukenobu(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25403

Wakizashi: in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Dewa Kami Fujiwara Sukenobu
出羽守藤原助信

Shinto: Well-made work: Kanbun era (circa 1661–1673): Settsu Province
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku (high-grade work) among the works by Dewa no Kami Fujiwara Sukenobu.
Habaki: Single-layer silver
Blade Length: 56.8 cm (22.36 in)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.06 cm (1.20 in)
Width at Yokote (Sakihaba): 2.08 cm (0.82 in)
Thickness at Rim (Kasane): 0.66 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight: 610 g
Shape: The blade has a wide body and a length approaching that of a katana.
Jigane: Well-forged small itame-hada, resulting in a beautiful jigane.
Hamon: Starts with suguha near the hamachi, then transitions into roundish gunome-midare. The boshi resembles the San-saku style.

Features: Dewa no Kami Fujiwara Sukenobu was a swordsmith from Settsu Province and a student of the second-generation Kunisuke.
He studied the techniques of the Nakakawachi school, and his style closely resembles that of his teacher.
Especially notable is the suguha starting near the hamachi, which then turns into a choji-midare pattern.
The quality of his work rivals that of the second-generation Kunisuke.

Aoi Art’s Comment:At first glance, this sword closely resembles the works of the second-generation Kawachi no Kami Kunisuke.
As a direct student of Kunisuke, it is likely that he learned a great deal from his master.

Historical Background: In the Edo period, the demand for functional swords decreased significantly, and more aesthetic qualities were sought after.
This led to preferences for works with carvings on the blade and dynamic hamon patterns that were pleasing to the eye.
It is believed that smiths like Kunisuke and Sukenobu followed this trend.
There were likely many opportunities for sword connoisseurs to admire and compare their blades.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata