AS26535 Katana:Hizen no Kuni (remainder of the signature cut off). Originally signed “Hizen no Kuni Junin Tadayoshi Saku” (1st Generation).(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Hizen no Kuni (remainder of the signature cut off).
Originally signed “Hizen no Kuni Junin Tadayoshi Saku” (1st Generation).
肥前国((以下切)(肥前国住人忠吉) 初代

Sayagaki (Inscription on the Shirasaya) by Tanobe Sensei:
Hizen no Kuni Junin Tadayoshi Saku.
The blade has been shortened, and the inscription following “Kuni” has been cut off.
This is a work by the 1st Generation Tadayoshi, dating from approximately 1613 to 1615.
The blade features a wide mihaba and beautifully forged ko-nuka hada (rice-bran-like grain).
The hamon is a wide suguha with ashi and yo activity, mixed with ko-choji and ko-gunome.
Abundant nie is present, and the boshi forms a rounded turnback.
The workmanship is modeled after the excellent works of Rai Kunimitsu.
The blade displays outstanding workmanship and conveys a powerful, dignified impression.
Blade Length: Slightly less than 2 shaku 2 sun 9 bu, approximately 69.39 cm (27.32 in).
Date: February 2025.
Inscribed by: Tanzan (Kao).

Saijo O-Wazamono: Saijyo Saku: Keicho Era: Hizen Province
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This blade is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Hizen no Kuni Junin Tadayoshi (1st Generation).
Habaki: Single copper habaki with gold iroe.
Blade Length: 2 shaku 2 sun 8 bu 5 rin, approximately 69.24 cm (27.26 in).
Curvature: 5 bu, approximately 1.52 cm (0.60 in).
Mekugi Hole: 4.
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.06 cm (1.20 in).
Width at Yokote: 2.32 cm (0.91 in).
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.63 cm (0.25 in).
Sword Weight: 775 g.
Era: Edo period, around the Keicho era (1596–1615).
Shape: This katana has been shortened (suriage), and its original signature, “Hizen no Kuni Junin Tadayoshi Saku,” has been partially removed.
It is a robust, well-proportioned blade with an elongated kissaki.
Jigane: Beautifully refined Hizen jigane, known as ko-nuka hada (rice-bran-like grain).
Hamon: Suguha with abundant ashi activity.

Features: The Hizen swordmaking tradition continued for 8 generations, from the 1st Generation Tadayoshi until the end of the Edo period.
It can be said that the Nabeshima family played a major role in supporting and developing the Tadayoshi lineage.
Generally, blades signed “Hizen no Kuni Junin Tadayoshi Saku” tend to have a relatively slender shape.
However, this particular blade is exceptionally robust and well-preserved, with a notably elongated kissaki.
The 1st Generation Tadayoshi used several different signatures, including “Hizen Tadayoshi,” “Hizen no Kuni Junin Tadayoshi Saku,” “Musashi Daijo Tadahiro,” and “Hizen no Kuni Ju Tadahiro” (a signature also inscribed on his behalf by Yoshinobu).
In the signatures “Musashi Daijo Tadahiro” and “Hizen no Kuni Ju Tadahiro,” the first stroke of the character “Hiro” is diamond-shaped rather than a simple dot.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Mokko-shaped shakudo tsuba carved with a dragon motif and engraved lines, decorated with gold iroe.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanako fittings carved with dragon motifs and decorated with gold iroe.
Saya (Scabbard): Black roiro lacquered saya.
Menuki: Dragon motifs carved and decorated with gold iroe.

Historical Background: The Keicho era (1596–1615) was a period of major political and historical change in Japan, marking the transition from the Toyotomi administration to the establishment of the Edo shogunate under Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed Seii Taishogun by the Imperial Court and established his shogunate in Edo.
This marked the beginning of the Edo period.
1604: Development of the Five Major Highways and Establishment of Ichirizuka Milestones
The Tokugawa shogunate began improving the Five Major Highways (Gokaido), including the Tokaido and Nakasendo, with Nihonbashi in Edo serving as their starting point.
Ichirizuka (distance markers) were established along the roads, contributing to the development of transportation and communication networks throughout Japan.
1614–1615: The Siege of Osaka (Winter and Summer Campaigns)
In 1614, the Winter Campaign of the Siege of Osaka took place, followed by the Summer Campaign in 1615.
These battles resulted in the destruction of the Toyotomi clan by the Tokugawa forces.
This brought an end to the major civil conflicts that had continued since the Sengoku period.

NBTHK Hozon Token.
AoiArt estimation paper: Whole Oshigata.