AS25373 Tanto: Kinseimaru Fujiwara Hidenaga (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Ordering number: AS25373

Tanto: Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Signature: Kinseimaru Fujiwara Hidenaga
Dated: August, Ansei 5 (1858)
金生丸藤原英永
安政五年八月日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword is ranked as Jyo Saku for the works of Kinseimaru Fujiwara Hidenaga.
Polished.
Habaki: Single-piece copper.
Blade Length: 27.8 cm (10.94 in).
Curvature: 0.2 cm (0.08 in).
Mekugi Hole: 1.
Width at Base: 2.65 cm (1.04 in).
Thickness: 1.04 cm (0.41 in).
Sword Weight: 330 g (0.73 lbs).
Era: Edo period, Ansei 5 (1858).
Shape: A robust and solid piece close to an armor-piercing tanto.
Jigane: Well-forged koitame with a visible grain.
Hamon: Nie-deki suguha mixed with nijuba, turning back sharply at the tip.

Features: The smith was active from Ansei to the end of Keio era (1865-1868).
This tanto is a sturdy and healthy piece, thick enough to be called armor-piercing.

Aoi Art’s Comment: In Ansei 5 (1858), the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan
and the United States was concluded, opening ports such as Kanagawa, Nagasaki, Niigata, and Hyogo.
The Ansei Purge, conducted by the Tokugawa shogunate from 1858 to 1859, saw Ii Naosuke,
the chief minister, sign the treaty without the Emperor’s consent, leading to significant unrest.

Historical Background: Following the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce,
Japan saw increasing conflicts between imperial loyalists and shogunate supporters.
This tanto, crafted during such tumultuous times, may reflect the era’s atmosphere.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata
*Please note: The price does not include shipping fees.