AS25240 Katana:Kashu Ju Fujiwara Kaneshige(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya, with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature:
Kashu Ju Fujiwara Kaneshige
A Lucky Day in Mid-Spring, 1846

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for works by Kashu Ju Fujiwara Kaneshige.

Habaki: Copper
Blade Length: 66.9 cm (26.34 in)
Curvature: 1.8 cm (0.71 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.85 cm (1.12 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.87 cm (0.74 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.60 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 595 g
Era: 1846 (Koka 2)

Shape:The blade has a standard width and thickness, with a slightly deep curvature and an extended kissaki.

Jigane:Fine ko-itame hada, tightly forged, producing an excellent steel texture.

Hamon:Made in nioi-deki, displaying a calm gunome-midare, with larger gunome-midare formations.
The blade features kinzogan (bright lines) within the hamon, and the boshi turns back in a midare-komi style.

The hamon mainly consists of notare mixed with box-shaped gunome patterns.
Kashu Ju Fujiwara Kaneshige served the Maeda family and was known for producing many excellent pieces upon request.
The hada shows itame mixed with masame, and the blade displays a beautiful gunome-midare.
The boshi returns in a large, rounded manner.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Circular iron base with chrysanthemum patterns made with brass inlay.
Fuchi: Shakudo nanako base with carvings of a dragon.
Kashira: Horn.
Saya (Scabbard): Black gloss lacquer saya.
Menuki: Raised carvings of dragons on copper base, decorated with gold coloring.
Seppa (2 pieces): Copper base, both wrapped in gold.

Kashu Ju Fujiwara Kaneshige was a popular swordsmith during the Koka era of the Edo period.
As he served the Maeda family, his works were well-received and respected.
He was also known as Ise Daijo Fujiwara Kaneshige and worked under the patronage of the Maeda clan