AS23634 Katana: Hizen Kuni Kawachi Kami Fujiwara Masahiro(2nd Generation)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) (Tsuka: NBTHK Hozon Tosogu. Fuchikashira: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu)

Ordering number:AS23634

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)
Tsuka of Koshirae: NBTHK Hozon Tosogu.
Fuchikashira of Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu.

Inscription: Hizen Kuni Kawachi Kami Fujiwara Masahiro(2nd Generation)
肥前国河内守藤原正広 2代

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo saku, Jyojyo saku
Jyo saku and regular saku)
This blade belongs to Jyojyo saku ranking.

Habaki: Gold foiled Single Habaki
Blade Length: 71.4 cm (28.1 in)
Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 in)
Mekugi-ana (peg holes): 2
Motohaba (width at the base): 3.25 cm (1.28 in)
Sakihaba (width at the tip): 2.12 cm (0.83 in)
Kasane (thickness): 0.12 cm (0.05 in)
Weight of the sword: 860 grams

Period: the early Edo period, around Kanbun era.
The blade has a polished surface of approximately 3 cm, with distinctive features of a wide body,　substantial thickness, deep curvature, and an elongated kissaki (point). It is a robust and well-balanced work.
Blade Steel: The blade exhibits a finely forged ko-ita-mokume-hada pattern, commonly known　as ko-nukame-hada or small-grained wood grain pattern, characteristic of Hizen swords.
Hamon (Temper Pattern): The hamon depicts thunderbolts running through summer’s blue sky　and is a remarkable work capturing the beauty of nature. It’s one of my most highly praised works.

Features: What I admire most about Hizen Kawachi-no-Kami Masahiro’s works is their ability to　capture the intricate details of nature, such as the contrast in the density of clouds. These　exceptional works are among the finest contemporary swords, and I believe they should be　cherished even more.

Mounting:
Tsuba (Handguard): An elliptical iron tsuba with a raised cord pattern on the perimeter. The front　features a carving of a flying crane, while the reverse side bears a short poem inscription.
Kashira (Pommel): The pommel is adorned with a high-relief wave pattern and the signature
“Ōmori Hidemi” in a cartouche. The waves and warriors are rendered in gold and color enamel.
Saya (Scabbard): The scabbard has a grayish cloud motif carving.
Kojiri (Scabbard Endcap): A dragon motif in gold color enamel on a red copper ground.
Kurigata (Scabbard Knob): A high-relief carving of waves with splashes depicted in gold.
Menuki (Handle Ornaments): High-relief carvings of figures and deer with color enamel accents.

From Aoi Art: Hizen Kuni Kawachi-no-Kami Fujiwara Masahiro was the brother of Kawachi Kami Masahiro, known for his exceptional skill in swordsmithing. Their craftsmanship was similar, and their inscription style is skillfully executed. While the blade is categorized as Jōsaku　in the swordsmith dictionary, I believe it could also be considered Jōjō-saku or the highest　quality. The mounting is exquisite, and the overall quality of this sword is outstanding. Please　enjoy the remarkable craftsmanship of Hizen Kawachi-no-Kami Masahiro, who created this　piece by capturing the beauty of thunderbolts against a backdrop of cloudy skies.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token.
Tsuka of Koshirae: NBTHK Hozon Tosogu.
Fuchikashira of Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kichi Tosogu.
Aoi Art estimation paper
The whole Oshigata