ASK0058 Katana: Chikushū Koku Fukuoka jū Koretsugu (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Ordering number:ASK0058

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Signature: Chikushū Koku Fukuoka jū Koretsugu
筑州國福岡住是次

Shinto – Jyo Saku – Chikuzen
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 works by Chikushū Koku Fukuoka jū Koretsugu.
Habaki: Single-layered gold-covered
Blade Length: 69.0 cm (27.17 in)
Curvature: 2.0 cm (0.79 in)
Mekugi Holes: 4
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.06 cm (1.20 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.91 cm (0.75 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.68 cm (0.27 in)
Era: Early Edo period, around the Kanbun era (1661–1673)
Shape: A sword with standard width and thickness, and deep curvature.
Jigane: Fine ko-itame hada, well-forged with visible utsuri, resulting in a beautiful jigane.
Hamon: Ko-nie based suguha.
The boshi is midare-komi and returns in a rounded shape.
There is a possibility that the blade has been retempered (Saiha).

Features:　Koretsugu of Fukuoka in Chikushū is said to have descended from the Fukuoka Ichimonji lineage.
He was born in Kanei 5 (1609) and went to Edo in Meireki 1 (1655), where he became a disciple of the first generation Ishidō Korekazu.
He excelled in the Bizen tradition, producing swords with prominent utsuri.
Three years later, he returned to his homeland and entered the service of the Kuroda clan.
He passed away on March 3, Tenwa 1 (1681), at the age of 53.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Tachi-style tsuba
Fuchikashira: Shakudō with polished surface
Saya: Black roiro lacquered saya
Menuki: Design of lions (shishi)
*Tsunagi is half-cut size.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　Although this piece appears to have been retempered, it is a finely forged sword with beautiful ko-itame hada and visible utsuri, making it an excellent work.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata
Shipping fee not included