AS25097 Katana:Hizen no Kuni Ju Fujiwara Tadahiro(2dn generation)(Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana: Shirasaya with Koshirae (Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Hizen no Kuni Ju Fujiwara Tadahiro(2dn generation)
肥前国住藤原忠広(二代)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Hizen no Kuni Ju Fujiwara Tadahiro.
Habaki: Gold foil single layer
Blade Length: 70.3 cm (27.68 in)
Curvature: 1.52 cm (0.60 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.06 cm (1.20 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.12 cm (0.83 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.74 cm (0.29 in)
Sword Weight: 775 g (1.71 lbs)
Era: Edo Period, around Kanei Era (1624–1644)
Shape:The blade has a wide body, substantial thickness, and a broad tip. The shinogi-ji is also well-forged, making it a robust and impressive work.
Jigane:The jigane is tightly forged, fully displaying the distinctive characteristics of Hizen swords.
Hamon:The hamon is made with nie, featuring a suguha base mixed with notare, resulting in a bright and clear hamon.

Features: As you can see, this piece is exceptionally rare as the inscription “Omi Daijo” is omitted. The reason for this is that when presenting swords to a daimyo, works with the “Daijo” title were customarily left unsigned with that designation to avoid disrespect. Therefore, the signature is carefully inscribed, reflecting the utmost respect and care in its presentation. This indicates that the sword was handled with exceptional care, as evidenced by its pristine state, single mekugi hole, and the fact that even the ubaha (unpolished part of the edge) remains slightly visible. This is a testament to the careful preservation by the retainers of the daimyo.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Shakudo base engraved with a repetitive detailed design.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanakoji with gold inlay in a net pattern.
Saya: A unique lacquered saya with sprinkled mother-of-pearl (aogai), and the upper part features brown horizontal carvings.
Menuki: Shakudo nanakoji depicting the family crest.

Aoi Art’s Comment:This sword is a presentation piece from Hizen no Kuni Ju Fujiwara Tadahiro to a daimyo, and the koshirae is of a very high standard. It is a highly recommended piece.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata