AS25690 Katana：Hizen Koku Kawachi Kami Fujiuji Masahiro (2nd Generation)(21st NBTHK Juyo Token)

Ordering number:AS25690

Katana in Shirasaya (21st NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature:　Hizen Koku Kawachi Kami Fujiuji Masahiro (2nd Generation)
肥前国河内守藤氏正広(2代)

Sayagaki by Tanobe-sensei:
21st Juyo Token Designated Item
Hizen no Kuni Kawachi-no-Kami Fujiwara Masahiro
Features a long cross-shaped signature, confirming it as the 2nd generation Masahiro.
Among his works, this piece shows the most vibrant and lively midare (irregular hamon).
It is full of vigor and displays magnificent craftsmanship.
It should be regarded with great value.
Blade length: 2 shaku 4 sun 2 bu
Kōgo (甲午), Kazemachizuki (the moon-waiting month, likely referring to autumn)
Tanzan Hendō-shiki (kaō)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Saijyo Saku (highest rank) among the works by the 2nd generation Hizen Koku Kawachi Kami Fujiuji Masahiro.
Habaki: Double-layered, gold-covered
Blade Length: 73.3 cm (28.86 in)
Curvature: 2.3 cm (0.91 in)
Mekugi Holes: 3
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.29 cm (1.30 in)
Width at Tip: 2.25 cm (0.89 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.88 cm (0.35 in)
Sword Weight: 890 g
Shape: Wide body, thick kasane, extended kissaki, with a bōhi (groove) carved.
Jigane: Finely forged small itame hada, forming a high-quality steel.
Hamon: Made in nie-deki with a deep nioiguchi.
The activity of the hamon evokes clouds rising in the bright southern blue sky—its beauty and liveliness are astonishing, reminiscent of the most sublime natural scenes.

Features: Masahiro of Hizen, Kawachi-no-Kami, belonged to the lineage of the first-generation Hizen Tadayoshi.
His name was Hashimoto Yashichirō.
As the eldest son of the first-generation Masahiro, he initially signed as Masanaga.
After the passing of his father, he adopted the name Kawachi-no-Kami Masahiro in Kanbun 5 (1665).
His signatures varied over time, including Hizen no Kuni Musashi-no-Kami Fujiwara Masanaga, Hishū Saga-jū Fujiwara Masahiro, Hizen no Kuni Kawachi-no-Kami Tōshi Masahiro, and Hizen no Kuni Kawachi-no-Kami Fujiwara Masahiro.
He passed away in Genroku 12 (1699) at the age of 73.

Aoi Art’s Comment: As I have often stated, the works of the first and second generations of Hizen are nearly identical in craftsmanship.
This piece can be described as Jyojyo Saku in quality.
Once, on my way back from Nagasaki to Fukuoka, I had the chance to overlook Saga Prefecture and the Hizen-Kashima Station area.
The view was breathtaking and awe-inspiring.
In the peak of summer, white clouds billowed up into the deep blue sky, and within the clouds, black lightning patterns appeared.
I am fond of this kind of dramatic scenery—I’m sure many others feel the same.
Please enjoy this blade while imagining the spectacular hamon, like those billowing thunderclouds.
I believe this work represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship by Kawachi-no-Kami and Daisaku smiths.

21st NBTHK Juyo Token
Aoi Art estimation paper and whole oshigata included

Please note: The price does not include the international shipping fees.
Auction Starting Price:5,500,000JPY