AS25163 Wakizashi:Omi no Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Description

Wakizashi in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Omi no 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 for Omi no Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro.
Habaki: Copper Habaki
Blade Length: 54.5 cm (21.46 in)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.07 cm (1.21 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.95 cm (0.77 in)
Thickness: 0.70 cm (0.28 in)
Sword Weight: 530 g (1.17 lb)
Era: Kanei to Kanbun era (1624–1673)
Shape: The blade has a broad width and slightly thickened kasane, with an extended kissaki, showcasing a well-proportioned and graceful appearance.
Jigane: The ko-itame hada is well-forged, exhibiting the typical Hizen hada or konuka-hada characteristic of Hizen swords.
Hamon: It is made in the suguha style with a wide straight hamon, appearing misty along the edge, creating a smoky effect.

Features: Tadahiro, known as Shinzaemon, succeeded his father after his death in Kanei 9 (1632) at the young age of 19. He received the title of Omi no Daijo in Kanei 18 (1641). Tadahiro continued to produce works for 60 years until May 28 of Genroku 6 (1693). He was renowned for producing excellent chu-suguha blades. The Nabeshima clan valued Hizen swords highly and maintained strict secrecy over the forging techniques of Hizen jigane, ensuring the quality and sharpness of their swords. Tadahiro’s works, especially in gunome with rounded elements and a rich variety, are considered remarkable.

Aoi Art’s Comment: He was known as Shinzaemon. The hamon is wide, with a misty and deep appearance along the edge, making it an exceptional piece.

Historical Background: After the passing of the first-generation Hizen Tadayoshi, there was a brief period before his son inherited the family name and became the second-generation Tadahiro. With the support of many disciples, Tadahiro succeeded in continuing the Hizen tradition from the young age of 19. The Nabeshima clan not only supported the production of Hizen swords but also kept their methods a guarded secret until the end of the Edo period. The unique Hizen jigane was unmatched by other swordsmiths.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata