AS25538 Wakizashi:Bitchu Kami Tachibana Yasuhiro (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Orering number:AS25538

Wakizashi: In Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Bitchu Kami Tachibana Yasuhiro
(Kiku mon)
備中守橘康廣
(菊紋)

Shinto: Wazamono / Jyojyo Saku – Settsu
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 Bitchu no Kami Tachibana Yasuhiro.
Habaki: Single-layered copper
Blade Length: 49.4 cm (19.45 in)
Curvature: 1.0 cm (0.39 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.30 cm (1.30 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.44 cm (0.96 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.73 cm (0.29 in)
Sword Weight: 605 g
Era: Edo period, around Kanbun (1661–1673)
Shape:A robust wakizashi with a wide body and thick kasane.
It has a slightly deep curvature and an extended kissaki, creating a strong and healthy appearance.
Jigane:Dense forging characteristic of Osaka jigane.
Hamon:Nie-based gunome-midare.
Partially resembles a wave-like tōranba, with excellent workmanship.
The boshi shows a deep nioiguchi with a long return and a rounded tama-shaped pattern.

Features: Bitchu no Kami Tachibana Yasuhiro, also known as Tomita Gorosaemon, is said to be the elder brother of Tameyasu, the founder of the Kishu Ishido school.
He later moved to Osaka and, alongside the renowned smith Tadara Nagayuki, became one of the founding figures of the Osaka Ishido school.
After receiving the title Bitchu no Kami, he began carving the chrysanthemum crest (kikumon) on the back of the tang.
As the founder of Osaka Ishido, he produced works featuring choji-midare with utsuri and also created spectacular tōranba styles.
These traits make his works especially notable.

Historical Background: During the Kanbun era of the Edo period, swordsmiths made great efforts to refine their techniques, aiming to produce blades worthy of admiration.
This period saw the emergence of features such as gold-inlaid cutting test inscriptions, flamboyant tōranba, deeply defined nioiguchi, and elaborate carvings on the blade.
Compared to cutting performance, more decorative and visually striking blades were favored and popular among many samurai.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata
*Please note: The price does not include shipping fees.