AS22091 Wakizashi:Echizen Kuni Shimosaka Kanehiro(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Ordering number: AS22091
Wakizashi in Shirasaya with Koshirae(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature :Echizen Kuni Shimosaka Kanehiro
越前国下坂兼廣　　　

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo saku, Jyojyo saku Jyo saku and regular saku)
This sword belongs to Jyo saku ranking.
The blade was polished.
Habaki :Gold foiled single habaki.
Blade length:40.4cm or 15.90inches.
Sori:1.1cm or 0.43inches.
Mekugi:1
Width at the hamachi:3.1cm or 1.22inches.
Kasane:0.71cm or 0.27inches.
The weight of the sword:470grams
Era: 1592, the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
Shape: The blade is broad and thick, like Nagamaki-Naoshi. It has deep Sori and looks very powerful.
Jigane: Itamehada is grained well with Jinie. Hadame is visible.
Edge: Masamehada flows strongly.
Hamon: Niedeki Gunomemidare with slightly deep Nioikuchi. Boshi turns back round.

Special feature: This Kanehiro（兼廣） later changed his Mei as Kanehiro(包広）. He moved from Echizen to Edo.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Oval-shaped iron Tsuba. Kozuka and Kogai are engraved.
Fuchikashira: On iron plate, the same pattern as Kojiri is engraved with gold.
Saya: Shu-painted Saya. Web patterns are painted by black color.
Menuki: Probably a Kinmuku(solid gold). Dragon is engraved.
Kojiri: On iron plate, patterns are engraved with gold.

From Aoi Art: Powerful and sturdy work made in the Azuchi-Momoyama period. It has deep Sori and reminds of Naginata. Koshirae is also wonderful. Kojiri and Fuchikashira share the same motif. Saya is Shu-painted with web pattern, it has bright atmosphere. Menuki is probably a solid gold, but not sure.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: whole Oshigata　by Ayaka Tsuruta