AS25100 Katana：Aizu ju Shigefusa Saku(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu)

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu)

Signature: Aizu ju Shigefusa Saku
Ogen Kinoto-Ushi Nen 8 Gatsu Hi (August, 1829)
会津住重房作
應元己丑年八月日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku (superior work) among the works of Aizu ju Shigefusa.
Habaki: Single-layered gold-covered habaki
Blade Length: 70.5 cm (27.76 in)
Curvature: 1.5 cm (0.59 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.27 cm (1.29 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.60 cm (1.02 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.43 cm (0.17 in)
Sword Weight: 890 g
Era: Edo period, August 1829
Shape: The blade is wide with a thin kasane, suggesting excellent cutting ability.
It has a relatively deep curvature and a large kissaki.
The nakago is long, emphasizing cutting performance, reflecting a sword likely carried by a samurai from Aizu.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, well-forged and clearly visible.
Hamon: Nie-based gunome-midare with a deep nioiguchi, resembling the style of Izumi no Kami Kanesada at first glance.

Features: Shigefusa was a disciple of Tenryu Kosho Takashi and the younger brother of Jutaka.
This sword features a large kissaki, a lowered shinogi, steep curvature, and an extended nakago, all of which enhance handling and usability.
The jigane appears soft in texture, and the hamon is set relatively low, emphasizing cutting ability.
The blade retains its original ha, is in healthy condition, and the nakago is superbly preserved.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Iron tsuba in a rounded square shape with a floral motif in gold nunome inlay.
Fuchikashira: Iron base with paulownia motif in gold nunome inlay.
Saya (Scabbard): Uniquely lacquered saya.
Menuki: Two shishi lions decorated in gold iroe (colored metalwork).

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata included