AS25173 Katana: Hizen Harima Daijo Fujiwara Tadakuni (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana: Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Hizen Harima Daijo Fujiwara Tadakuni
肥前播磨大掾藤原忠国

Shinto: Wazamono: Jyo Saku: Hizen
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Saijyo Saku among the works of Hizen Harima Daijo Fujiwara Tadakuni.
Habaki: Gold-covered double Habaki
Blade Length: 71.80 cm (28.27 in)
Curvature: 1.30 cm (0.51 in)
Mekugi Holes: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.17 cm (1.25 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.26 cm (0.89 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.90 cm (0.35 in)
Sword Weight: 825 g
Era: Edo period, around Keian era (1648–1652)
Shape: The blade has been shortened by approximately 4 cm and features machi-okuri (relocated notches).
It has a wide body and thick kasane, resulting in a solid and powerful appearance.
The curvature is slightly deep, with an extended kissaki and overall well-balanced shape.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada with a tight grain pattern, characteristic of refined Hizen jigane.
Hamon: Nie-deki gunome-midare with a deep nioiguchi and active ko-ashi.
The boshi is round, ending in hakikake style.
The workmanship is excellent.

Features:　He was the son of Hizen Yoshie and bore the Hashimoto surname.
Tadakuni often produced blades with a deep nioiguchi and a soft appearance, reminiscent of towering clouds against a blue sky.
His works frequently resemble those of Kawachi Daijo Fujiwara Kunihiro.
This particular piece is highly esteemed.
If the tang were ubu (unaltered), it would likely qualify as a Juyo Token.
Highly recommended.
I evaluate this piece as Saijyo Saku.

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