AS25567 Katana: (Unclear red lacquer inscription) (Enju)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25567

Katana: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: (Red lacquer inscription unclear) (Enju)
(朱書不明)(延寿)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Jyo Saku among works attributed to this smith.
Habaki: Double-layered gold-covered habaki.
Blade Length: 2 shaku 2 sun 7 bu – 68.8 cm (27.09 in)
Curvature: 6 bu – 1.82 cm (0.72 in)
Mekugi Hole: 4
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.92 cm (1.15 in)
Width at Yokote (Sakihaba): 1.62 cm (0.64 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.66 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight:
Shape: A blade with deep curvature, carved with double grooves (futatsu-suji-hi) on both sides.
The kissaki is standard.
Jigane: A fine, clear jigane with visible utsuri.
A beautiful and tight steel.
Hamon: A suguha-based hamon with small ashi appearing in places.
The boshi is round and returns finely.

Features: Although the red lacquer inscription is unclear, it is believed to have once read “Daiji Matahachirō Toshitada” in red characters.
The blade has been attributed to the Enju school based on its workmanship and is accompanied by a Tokubetsu Hozon Token paper.
The jigane is beautiful and healthy, tightly forged with enjoyable hataraki such as small ashi appearing in the suguha hamon.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Round iron tsuba with engraved patterns and partial gold inlay.
Fuchikashira: Made of shakudo, with high-relief carving of peonies and butterflies, decorated with gold iroe.
Saya: Ao-gai chirashi (scattered blue shell inlay) lacquered saya.
Kojiri: Made of iron.
Menuki: High-relief carving of dragon motifs, decorated with gold iroe.

Aoi Art’s Comment: The red lacquer signature of Daiji Matahachirō Toshitada rarely remains today.
However, the workmanship clearly indicates it is a work of the Enju school.
A fine piece with utsuri and small ashi in the hamon.
The koshirae is also very well crafted.
Highly recommended.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata