AS26108 Wakizashi: Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro (2nd Generation)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS26108

Wakizashi in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro (2nd Generation)
(Kiritsuke Mei) 20
近江大掾藤原忠広(2代)
（切付銘）二十

Shinto: Jyojyo Saku: O-wazamono: Hizen
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This work ranks as Jyojyo Saku.

Habaki: Single Gold Foil
Blade Length: 48.5cm (19.1in)
Curvature: 1.4cm (0.6in)
Mekugi Hole: 2 (1is filled)
Width at Base: 3.19 cm (1.26in)
Width at Tip: 2.25 cm (0.89in)
Thickness: 0.66 cm (0.26in)
Sword Weight: 540 g
Era: the early Edo period around Kanbun era, the 17th century.

Shape: Broad blade width, thick rim, deep curvature, and wide tip, making it a sturdy piece.
Jigane: fine Koitame hada called Konuka hada
Hamon: Niedeki Sakasa-choji midare　that is reminiscent of Aoe school.

Features: Oumi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro, the son of Tadayoshi the 1st generation succeed to the govenor of the family after his father’s death in 1632. He received the title of Omi Daijo in 1641 and produced swords for about 60 years until his death in 1693 at the age of 81. His swords are considered to have good cutting ability and are designated as Owazamono(the sharpest swords). Hizen swords is know for its beauty of jigane, it is said that they acquired unique Hizen Jigane by monopolizing Dutch iron under the patronage of the Nabeshima Clan. Tadahiro is said to be one of the best Hizen swordsmiths along with his father, Tadayoshi of Hize swordsmiths.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Most of Tadahiro’s work has straight hamon, and this piece is unusual in that it has Sakasa-Choji Hamon reminiscent of Aoe school, old blades.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Paper
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata