AS25028 Katana: Hizen Koku Ju Fujiwara Tadahiro(February 1638)(The 14th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Katana in Shirasaya (The 14th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature:
Hizen Koku Ju Fujiwara Tadahiro 肥前国住藤原忠広
Kan’ei 15 Nen 2 Gatsu Kichijitsu (February 1638)　寛永十五年二月吉日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Saijyo Saku (highest rank) among works by Hizen Kuni Ju Fujiwara Tadahiro.

Habaki: Double-layered, gold-covered
Blade Length: 74.2cm (29.2in)
Curvature: 1.6cm (0.6in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.05cm (1.20in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.16cm (0.85in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.76cm (0.30in)
Sword Weight: 800 grams

Era: the early Edo Period, February 1638 (Kan’ei 15)
Shape: wide and thick long blade with small curveture and slightly long Kissaki.
Jigane: fine Ko-itame hada with Jinie.
Hamon: Nie base thick and soft Gunomemidare with ashi, and yo. Intense Nie compose Sunagashi and Kinsuji.

Features:
Hizen Koku Ju Fujiwara Tadahiro was a son of the 1st generation of Tadahiro and his works began to appear from Kan’ei 10(1663), and in Kan’ei 18(1641), he received the title of Tadayoshi. Throughout his life, he did not succeed to the name of Tadayoshi but signed only as Tadahiro.
He made swords for about 60 years until his death at the age of 80 in 1693, producing a large number of works with diverse styles. Tadahiro’s swords are known for their excellent cutting ability and were classified as O-wazamono. He is said to be the finest among the Hizen swords for the beauty of Jigane. Hizen swords are known for the beauty of refine Jigane. It is believed because the swordsmiths of Hizen were under the protection of the Nabeshima clan, who managed the Dejima trading post, allowing them to use high-quality iron imported from the Netherlands.

From Aoi-Art:
This sword is listed on page 210 of the “Joshu Token Zufu”.

The 14th NBTHK Juyo Certificate
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata
Book “Joshu Toko Zufu” edited by Sato Kanzan