:AS25486 Wakizashi:Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25486

Wakizashi: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro
近江大掾藤原忠広

Shinto: Superior Cutting Ability (Ryowazamono), Jyojyo Saku, Hizen
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Tadahiro.
Habaki: Double-layered gold-foil Habaki
Blade Length: 48.4 cm (19.06 in)
Curvature: 1.0 cm (0.39 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.98 cm (1.17 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.23 cm (0.88 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.64 cm (0.25 in)
Sword Weight: 470 g
Shape: The blade is slightly wide with thick kasane.
The curvature is standard, and the kissaki is extended, giving the sword a well-balanced and elegant appearance.
Jigane: The itame-hada (board grain pattern) in the blade is well-forged, and the grain is clearly visible.
Hamon: Although Tadahiro is known for suguha (straight temper lines), this blade features gunome-midare.
The ashi are long and active, with a deep nioiguchi.
It is a beautiful and refined work.

Features: Tadahiro was a swordsmith from Hizen and the biological son of the first-generation Tadayoshi.
His real name was Hashimoto Heisakuro.
After his father passed away, he began forging swords from around 1633 (Kanei 10).
In 1641 (Kanei 18), at the age of 29, he was awarded the title “Omi Daijo”.
His peak production period was during the Shoho and Keian eras after receiving this title.
He never succeeded the name Tadayoshi and signed his swords as “Tadahiro” throughout his life.
He was granted a residence and 20 koku of rice by the domain and contributed significantly to the rise of Hizen-to.
He had a long swordsmithing career of about 60 years and lived a long life, leaving behind many works in a variety of styles.
He passed away in 1693 (Genroku 6) at the age of 80.
His blades are known for their sharpness and are designated as O-Wazamono.
While Tadahiro is predominantly known for suguha, this particular blade is a healthy example of gunome-midare.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Round iron tsuba with carvings of gourds and sickles, decorated with gold iroe (coloring).
Menuki: Carvings of human figures, decorated with gold iroe.
Fuchikashira: Decorated with a variety of fish such as pufferfish, flying fish, and flounder, carved and highlighted with gold iroe.
Saya (Scabbard): Lacquered with scattered blue shell inlay (aogai-chirashi).
Kozuka: Made of shakudo nanako-ji with a high-relief carving of a chrysanthemum bouquet, decorated with gold iroe.
Includes kogatana (small knife).

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata