AS25177 Katana：Bitchu Koku ju Saemon no Jo Hidetugu Kareki 2 ◻︎◻︎ Gatsu Hi (1327)(The 68th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Katana in Shirasaya (The 68th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Bitchu Koku ju Saemon no Jo Hidetugu
Kareki 2 ◻︎◻︎ Gatsu Hi (1327)
備中国◻︎◻︎住左衛門尉秀次
嘉暦二◻︎◻︎月日

Sayagaki: Written by Akimoto Kunshu.
Bitchu no Kuni ◻︎◻︎ ju Saemon no Jo Hidetugu
Blade Length: 2 shaku 3 sun 4 bu (71.0 cm / 27.95 in)
Dated: A lucky day in July, Showa 19 (1944)

Chukoto: O-wazamono: Jyo Saku : Bitchu
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Saijyo Saku (highest rank) among the works of Bitchu no Kuni ◻︎◻︎ ju Saemon no Jo Hidetugu.
Habaki: Double-layered gold-covered habaki
Blade Length: 2 shaku 3 sun 4 bu (71.0 cm , 27.95 in)
Curvature: Just over 4 bu (1.21 cm , 0.48 in)
Mekugi Hole: 3
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.37 cm (1.33 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.12 cm (0.83 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.73 cm (0.29 in)
Sword Weight: 870 g
Era: Kamakura period, Kareki 2 (1327)
Shape: wide and thick akmost Ubu Tachi with curvature from the base.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, densely forged with well-visible utsuri.
Hamon: Nie-based suguha with active ko-ashi, the boshi is rounded and slightly turns back.

Features: This sword was forged in Kareki 2 (1327) by a smith of the Bitchu no Kuni ◻︎◻︎ ju Saemon no Jo Hidetugu school.
It is nearly ubu (unshortened), with a wide mihaba that remains consistent to the tip (2.12 cm), and a deep curvature, making it a magnificent work.
It has a thick kasane and is excellently crafted.
The sayagaki was written in July of Showa 19 (1944), just about a year before the end of World War II, and the sword has been well preserved ever since.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This sword retains both the signature and the reverse inscription.
It is nearly ubu, and the width at the base and tip are not significantly different, resulting in a solid and powerful appearance.
We highly recommend this healthy and robust work.

The 68th NBTHK Juyo Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata included