AS24840 Wakizashi:Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Wakizashi: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

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

Shinto: Jyojyo Saku: O Wazamono: Hizen
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.)
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro.
Habaki: Gold Foil Double Habaki
Blade Length: 1 shaku 7 sun 7 bu (53.63 cm / 21.12 in)
Curvature: 3 bu 0 rin (0.91 cm / 0.36 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.07 cm / 1.21 in
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.17 cm / 0.85 in
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.61 cm / 0.24 in
Sword Weight: 525 g
Era: Edo period, around Kanbun era (1661-1673)
Shape:A well-balanced piece with a wide mihaba (blade width), slightly thick kasane, and an extended kissaki (tip).
Jigane:Well-forged ko-itame hada with a refined appearance, characteristic of Hizen hada or konuka hada.
Hamon:A nie-deki gunome-midare with rounded elements, featuring ashi entering the hamon and a rounded boshi kaeri.

Features:Tadahiro, also known as Shinzaemon, succeeded his father’s name at the age of 19 after his father’s passing in Kan’ei 9 (1632). In Kan’ei 18 (1641), he received the title of Omi Daijo. He continued producing swords for 60 years until Genroku 6 (1693). Tadahiro was highly regarded for his chu-suguha hamon.
The Nabeshima clan, which ruled the Hizen domain, sought to export Hizen swords domestically and strictly guarded the unique forging techniques of Hizen jigane, ensuring its exclusivity. As a result, Hizen swords were renowned for their superior craftsmanship and cutting ability.
This particular work by Tadahiro exhibits a well-formed gunome with rounded elements, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship with a varied and elegant pattern.

Koshirae (Mountings):
Tsuba: Mokko-gata iron tsuba with engraved arabesque patterns, signed “Nobuie.”
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanako-ji with high-relief carving of multiple samurai and a boat, decorated with gold inlay.
Saya: Vermillion lacquer with black patterns.
Menuki: High-relief carving of a dokko (vajra) and a dragon.
Certification & Additional Information:

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata