AS23791 Katana：Hizen Ju Harima no Jo Fujiwara Tadakuni (First Generation) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(NBTHK Kicho Token)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu)

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(NBTHK Kicho Token)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu)

Signature: Hizen Ju Harima no Jo Fujiwara Tadakuni (First Generation)
肥前住播摩掾藤原忠国(初代)

Shinto: Jyo Saku: 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 Hizen Ju Harima no Jo Fujiwara Tadakuni (First Generation).
Habaki: Double-layered habaki with silver and gold plating
Blade Length: 2 shaku 2 sun 4 bu – 67.88 cm (26.72 in)
Curvature: 6 bu – 1.82 cm (0.72 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.88 cm (1.13 in)
Width at Tip: 1.96 cm (0.77 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.70 cm (0.28 in)
Sword Weight: 650 grams
Era: Edo period, around the Keian era
Shape: A well-balanced blade with a standard thickness and deep curvature, featuring an extended kissaki. The hamon is bright and clear.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, tightly forged with fine ji-nie, forming a beautiful surface.
Hamon: Nioi-deki with irregular gunome pattern. The nie between the valleys is especially prominent, evoking the image of rising clouds.

Features:　This is an early work by Hizen Ju Harima no Jo Fujiwara Tadakuni, showcasing a youthful and vibrant character.
The blade contains sunagashi and kinsuji, and the polish is excellent.
We highly recommend this sword as a finely crafted piece.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Mokko-shaped iron tsuba with hammer-marked surface, carved with a design of clouds and dragons.
Menuki: Carved crawling dragon design on suaka (plain copper) base, with gold inlay and coloring.
Fuchikashira, Kurigata, Kojiri: Decorated with dragon motif.
Saya (Scabbard): Uniquely lacquered saya.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　He was the son of Hizen Yoshie and bore the Hashimoto surname.
In early works, “摩” in Harima no Jo was often written instead of “磨.”
His works span from the Kan’ei to the Kanbun era.
His style resembles that of Higo no Kami Masahiro and Kawachi no Kami Masahiro.
Tadakuni’s works have a slightly softer feel.
We proudly present a well-made blade by Harima no Jo Fujiwara Tadakuni.
Although the registration paper lists the name as Hizen Ju Harima no Jo Fujiwara Tadakuni, we have confirmed with the Board of Education that this is a clerical error and there is no issue with the sword’s legitimacy.
This is truly a remarkable sword we are pleased to offer.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
NBTHK Kicho Token
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata