AS25551 Katana:Shoji Jirotaro Fujiwara Naokatsu Dated: August, Ansei 2 (1855)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering numner:AS2551

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Shoji Jirotaro Fujiwara Naokatsu
Dated: August, Ansei 2 (1855)
荘司次郎太郎藤原直勝
安政二年八月日

Sayagaki:　Edo period Shoji Naokatsu
Length: 2 shaku 3 sun 2 bu 5 rin (approximately 70.2 cm)
Dated: May, 1953
By Hon’ami Koson (with kaō)

Shinshinto: Jyojyo Saku: Musashi
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 the works of Shoji Jirotaro Fujiwara Naokatsu.
Habaki: Double-layered gold-covered
Blade Length: 70.2 cm (27.64 in)
Curvature: 1.3 cm (0.51 in)
Mekugi Holes: 3 (2 plugged)
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.07 cm (1.21 in)
Width at Tip: 2.05 cm (0.81 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.75 cm (0.30 in)
Sword Weight: 825 g
Shape:Wide blade with thick kasane, moderate curvature, and an extended kissaki.
The omote side features carvings of pine, bamboo, and plum motifs, while the ura side displays a carving of a carp ascending a waterfall.
Jigane:Well-forged itame-hada forming a fine, clean steel surface.
Hamon:Nie-based gunome-midare with a boshi pattern that turns back irregularly.

Features:　Shoji Jirotaro Fujiwara Naokatsu resided in the Akimoto family domain of Tatebayashi in Joshu.
He was originally Kazusa Jirotaro and was adopted by Naotane of Edo Shitaya.
He passed away on July 22, 1858, at the age of 54.
His works often feature gunome-choji with saka-ashi elements and many show influences from the Soshu tradition.
It is said that some of his works surpass those of his adoptive father Naotane.
This piece was made when Naokatsu was 52 years old and features excellent, detailed horimono.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　Horimono can occasionally be found in the works of the first-generation Naokatsu.
This example displays an exceptional level of carving skill.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole oshigata
Shipping cost not include