AS25102 Katana:Usuki-jū Takahashi Yosaburō Minamoto Hidenaga(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (NTHK estimation paper)

Katana: Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (NTHK estimation paper)

Signature: Usuki-jū Takahashi Yosaburō Minamoto Hidenaga
Genji 1 Nen 3 Gatsu Kichijitsu (March, 1864)
臼杵住高橋与三郎源秀永
元治元年三月吉日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Saijyo Saku among the works by Usuki-jū Takahashi Yosaburō Minamoto Hidenaga.
Habaki: Single-layered silver
Blade Length: 2 shaku 2 sun 8 bu 0 rin (69.1 cm / 27.20 in)
Curvature: 6 bu 0 rin (1.82 cm / 0.72 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.19 cm (1.26 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.37 cm (0.93 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.61 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 800 g
Era: Edo period, March 1864 (Genji 1)
Shape: A wide and thick blade with deep curvature and slightly extended kissaki.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with clearly visible grain pattern.
Hamon: Nie-based gunome-midare with varying height, in the style of tōranba (wavy pattern), appearing bright and clear.

Features: Usuki-jū Takahashi Yosaburō Minamoto Hidenaga was a swordsmith from Bungo (present-day Oita Prefecture) known especially for his skill in creating tōranba-style hamon. His works display active sunagashi and kinsuji, and he is recognized for producing masterful swords. However, as this period approached the Haitōrei (Sword Abolishment Edict), it is believed that the number of blades he produced decreased. I personally handled a blade by this swordsmith about 40 years ago and remember him as a highly skilled artisan.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This sword comes with both a Tokubetsu Hozon Token certificate and a Token Hozonkai Shūsaku (Masterwork) certificate. The evaluation standards for Shūsaku by the Token Hozonkai are very strict, and such recognition adds considerable value.
Usuki City, located in the southeastern part of Oita Prefecture in Kyushu, is geographically divided into a coastal area (Usuki) and a mountainous area (Notsu). It is a region where one can observe the sun rising from the sea and setting in the mountains. The area enjoys abundant sunlight year-round and has a mild and pleasant climate. The fertile lands of the Notsu area support active agriculture, while the coastal Usuki area thrives in fishing from the rich Bungo Channel and has a well-established brewing industry producing miso and soy sauce since the late Edo period. It is believed that Takahashi Yosaburō Minamoto Hidenaga worked as a swordsmith in such an environment. This piece is an excellent example of his craftsmanship.

Historical Context: This was a time when imperial loyalists and shogunate supporters were in conflict.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
NTHK estimation Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata