AS23705 Katana: Fujiwara Kiyohito(/Kiyondo) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Fujiwara Kiyohito(/Kiyondo)
Dated: September 26, 1863
Executed Dotanbara test at Senju by Yamada Yoshitoyo
藤原清人
文久三年九月二十六日
於千住太々土壇拂山田吉豊

Sayagaki: Fujiwara Kiyohito(/Kiyondo)
On September 26th, Bunkyū 3 (1863), at Senju — the site where the blade test was conducted — this sword was tested on the taitai-dodan (shoulder blade target) by Yamada Yoshitoyo.
This work “looks like” a late-period work by Minamoto Kiyomaro.
Blade length: approximately 2 shaku 4 sun 7 bu (about 74.8 cm).

Written by Dr.Kanzan on an auspicious day in December, the year of Tsuchinoto tori 己酉 (Showa 44 / 1969).

Polished by Sohtaro Matumura（Mukansa polisher)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for Fujiwara Kiyohito(/Kiyondo).
Habaki: Single-layer gold-covered habaki
Blade Length: 75.0 cm (29.53 in)
Curvature: 1.6 cm (0.63 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.22 cm (1.27 in)
Width at Tip: 2.35 cm (0.93 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.78 cm (0.31 in)
Sword Weight: 895 g
Era: Edo period, September 26, 1863
Shape: A wide blade with a thick and solid construction.
The boshi (tip) extends long.
Jigane: Finely forged ko-itame hada with well-developed ji-nie, resulting in a superior steel surface.
Hamon: Nie-based, rounded gunome-midare.
The boshi is also gunome-midare, forming a pointed tip and returning.

Features: Kiyohito was the most prominent disciple of Kiyomaro and is recognized as one of the leading swordsmiths of the Kiyomaro school.
He was born in 1827 (Bunsei 10) in Dewa (present-day Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture).
At the age of 12, he was adopted by the Saito family of Shonai and took the name Ichiro Saito.
At 26, in April of 1848 (Kaei 1), he moved to Edo.
In 1852 (Kaei 5), he became a disciple of Kiyomaro.
He later relocated to Kanda.
After the death of his master Kiyomaro—who had left behind numerous unfinished orders—Kiyohito, being the top disciple, completed all of Kiyomaro’s remaining commissions, supported his widow and children, and helped to repay his debts.
He is remembered as a man of great loyalty and compassion.
In 1867 (Keio 3), Kiyoto traveled to Kyoto and was awarded the prestigious title “Buzen no Kami Fujiwara Kiyohito.”
In 1870 (Meiji 3), he forged a sword dedicated to Emperor Meiji.
He passed away in 1901 (Meiji 34).
This work by Fujiwara Kiyohito bears a cutting test inscription and is of ample length.
It is a solidly built, magnificent sword.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata