AS25476 Katana:Unpanshi Takahashi Naganobu Saku (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25476

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Unpanshi Takahashi Naganobu Saku
Dated: August 15, 1867
雲藩士高橋長信作
慶応三年八月十五日

Shinshinto: Jyo Saku: Musashi
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyo Saku.
Habaki: Double gold-plated Habaki
Blade Length: 75.1 cm (29.57 in)
Curvature: 0.9 cm (0.35 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.16 cm (1.24 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.62 cm (0.64 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.83 cm (0.33 in)
Sword Weight: 950 grams
Era: Late Edo period, 1867
Shape: A long sword (75.1 cm) with shallow curvature and extended kissaki. The blade remains in healthy condition with a visible ubuha (original edge).
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, well-forged and of excellent quality.
Hamon: Nie-deki, a bright and clear suguha with soft working ko-ashi, and a round boshi that turns back gently.

Features:　Takahashi Naganobu, known as Rihee, was the 17th-generation descendant of Fuyuhiro of Wakasa Province. He was a student of Nagatoshi Nagaunsai and served as a domain smith for the Matsue domain. He lived in Kojimachi, Edo, and sometimes signed his works with the name Fuyuhiro. He is said to have died around 1875–1876 at the age of about 60.
His style was heavily influenced by Nagatoshi, often producing works with choji hamon, but this particular blade is an excellent example of suguha-deki.
The yasurime (file marks) are katteagari, suggesting that he was left-handed.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　This is a long sword with a remaining ubuha, indicating it was made to be highly effective in cutting. It has a solid and healthy form, making it easy to handle.
The year 1867 is just before the beginning of the Meiji period, marking a transitional time in Japanese history.
Left-handed people are often said to be skillful, and this smith was also a master carver of horimono on blades.
He worked continuously as a swordsmith from the Tenpo era through 1867 and was a domain smith of the Matsue clan.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata

Please note: The price does not include the international shipping fees.