AS21598 Katana:Ishido Fujiwara Korekazu saku

Ordering number: AS21598
Katana in Shirasaya
(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token/Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho Token)

Signature :　Ishido Fujiwara Korekazu saku
Meiji 21 Nen 8 Gatsu Hi
Ishido Fujiwara Mitsukazu Seitan Kore
石堂藤原是一作　

(Father and his son collaborated to make one sword)
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo saku, Jyo-jyo saku Jyo saku and regular saku)
This sword belongs to the Jyo-jyo Saku ranking.
Shinshinto: Jo-jo Saku: Musashi
The blade was polished.
Habaki:　Gold foiled single habaki.
Blade length:70.9 cm or 27.91inches.
Sori:1.6cm or 0.62inches.
Mekugi:1
Width at the hamachi:3.59cm or 1.41inches.
Width at the Kissaki:2.42 cm or 0.95inches.
Kasane:0.81cm or 0.31inches.
The weight of the sword:1040grams.
Era: The Meiji period
Shape: The blade is broad(3.59cm), thick and has adequate Sori and longer Kissaki, there is Ububa left and well-balanced, powerful piece of art.
Jigane: Koitame-hada gets close together really well to be elaborate Jigane
Hamon: Niedeki, Gunomemidare with deep Nioikuchi, Ashi moves actively, Sunagashi and Kinsuji work in Hachu. Boshi is Midarekomi-style, Kinsuji work at the side of the blade and turns back in a small circle.

Special Feature: Ishido Fujiwara Korekazu, originally called Yataro, is a nephew of Katou Chounsai Tsunatoshi, first learned sword making from him, later he succeeded to the 7th generation of Ishido family and changed his signature to Korekazu. He died at the age of 75, in the Meiji 24. Ishido family made Bizenden for generations, succeeded to the style of the swords with Ichimonji-ish style and Utsuri, however he made sometimes Niedeki Choji-midare, or mixed Soshuden to his style, like Soden-Bizen, made many works with rough and wild atmosphere. Because of the Haito Edict he gave up on making swords and had holiday for some time, but after Meiji government allowed people to make swords again, he reactivated. It is said that the government needed swords to maintain the army for the war. Gassan Sadakazu became a member of Imperial art expert and many swordsmiths produced swords for army.

From Aoi Art: After the Haito Edict he once abandoned his lifework but after Meiji government permit the production, he restarted making swords again with his wonderful skills. This is a collaborated work by Ishido Fujiwara Korekazu and Koichi. Koichi is thought to be a son of Korekazu. The blade is broad and thick, really solid and powerful work and there is Ububa left: really historically important piece of art. Perhaps Korekazu had made his last effort to this sword with his son at the age of 75, it might be his last work. We truly recommend this flawless/defectless work for you.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
NBTHK Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: whole Oshigata.