AS25168 Wakizashi:Motte Namban Tetsu Omi Kami Fujiwara Tsuguhiro Echizen Ju Shimosaka(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Wakizashi: in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Motte Namban Tetsu
Omi Kami Fujiwara Tsuguhiro
Echizen Ju Shimosaka
以南蛮鉄近江守藤原継広
越前住下坂

Shinto: Wazamono: Jyojyo Saku
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Omi no Kami Fujiwara Tsuguhiro.
Habaki: Silver and plain copper single Habaki
Blade Length: 40.0 cm (15.75 in)
Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.21 cm (1.26 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.63 cm (0.25 in)
Sword Weight: 400 g
Era: Edo period, around Kanbun era (1661–1673)
Shape: The front side bears the signature “Made of Namban Tetsu, Omi no Kami Fujiwara Tsuguhiro”, and the reverse side is inscribed “Echizen-ju Shimosaka”.
This sword features a katakiri-ba (single-sided cut) style with a forward-curving kissaki, resulting in a unique and striking form.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with fine jifu activity.

Features: Omi no Kami Fujiwara Tsuguhiro resided in Edo or Omi.
This work features Echizen Shinto-style jigane and the rare inscription made of Namban Tetsu, making it a notable and unique piece.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　The jigane displays a clearly visible ko-itame hada pattern, and the blade is forged in katakiri-ba style using Namban Tetsu.
At that time, Namban Tetsu (foreign imported steel) was considered highly valuable.
Though Yasutsugu is famous for using Namban Tetsu, the texture of the steel in this piece differs slightly, having a more pronounced grain structure.

Historical Context: During the Kanbun era, the demand for Japanese swords declined, compelling many swordsmiths to innovate.
They began carving horimono (engraving) on blades and experimented with intricate hamon designs such as tōranba.
Swords during this time tended to be created more for appreciation than for combat.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata