Ordering number:AS24082

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Hizen Koku Saga Ju Masahiro (Tachi Mei) First Generation Hizen
肥前国佐賀住正廣(太刀銘)　肥前初代

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Hizen no Kuni Saga Ju Masahiro.
Habaki: Silver double-layered
Blade Length: 70.2 cm (27.64 in)
Curvature: 1.7 cm (0.67 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.13 cm (1.23 in)
Width at Tip: 2.25 cm (0.89 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.71 cm (0.28 in)
Sword Weight: 730 g
Era: Around Kanei Era, Edo Period
Shape:A work with a broad width and slightly thick kasane, featuring a deep curvature.
The kissaki is slightly long, making it a well-balanced and well-preserved sword.
Jigane:Ko-nie deki, with a clearly visible hada characteristic of Hizen steel.
Hamon:A high-quality piece resembling cumulonimbus clouds rising in a blue sky,
with sunagashi well-present and kinsuji actively appearing.
The boshi is midare-komi, returning slightly long.

Features:Kawachi Daijo Masahiro.
His younger brother, Kawachi no Kami Masahiro, worked in the same location and produced similar high-quality swords.
In my opinion, this sword ranks around Jyojyo Saku in skill and execution.
I personally admire how the hamon resembles towering summer clouds in the blue sky.
The lightning-like kinsuji running through the hamon makes this piece a masterpiece.
If you see this Masahiro's work, you will surely fall in love with it.

Koshirae (Mountings):
Tsuba: Mokko-gata iron tsuba with sukashi (openwork), signed Nobuie.
Fuchikashira: Iron base with decorative patterns, crafted in a semi-tachi koshirae style.
Saya (Scabbard): Black ishimeji-style lacquered saya.
Menuki: Gold-plated dragon motif with colored inlays.

Aoi Art’s Comment: Masahiro was the son of Yoshinobu and was commonly known as Sadenjiro.
His original name was Masanaga, but he changed it to Masahiro in November of Kanei 2 (1625).
In Kanei 5 (1628), he received the title of Kawachi Daijo.
He passed away on February 5, Kanei 5 (1628), at the age of 59.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:850,000JPY

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