Ordering number: 23438
Wakizashi: In Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)
Mei (Inscription): Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro
Shinto: Jojosaku: Owazamono: Hizen
In our company, we classify swords into categories based on the skill of the swordsmith, including Jyo Jyo Saku (Superior Work), Jyo Saku (Excellent Work), Jo Saku (High Quality), and Normal. This piece is classified as Jyo Jyo Saku, indicating its exceptional craftsmanship.
Polished
Habaki: Silver rock Habaki
Blade Length: 50.8 cm (20.0 inches)
Curvature: 1.0 cm (0.39 inches)
Hole for Pegs: 2
Width at the Base: 2.98 cm (1.17 inches)
Width at the Tip: 2.08 cm (0.82 inches)
Thickness: 0.6 cm (0.24 inches)
Sword Weight: 470 grams
Period: Edo Period, Kanbun Era
Special Features: The width and thickness are well-proportioned, with a slightly deep curvature, and the blade has an elongated shape.
Jigane (Grain Pattern): It has a fine Ko-itamehada (small board grain pattern) and is known as Hizen Jigane.
Hamon (Temper Line): The small, deep nie (specks of martensite) create a straight hamon, and the hamon’s edge is soft and has a smoky appearance. The tip of the blade also has a rounded return, creating a sweeping effect. It’s a work with a rich pattern due to the presence of a double-edged temper line.
Special Features: Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro, a resident of Hizen Province, was a prominent swordsmith. He was the son of the first-generation Tadayoshi and went by the real name Hashimoto Heisakuaro. After his father’s passing, he began forging swords in the Kan’ei era, receiving the title of Omi Daijo at the age of 29 in the Kan’ei 18th year (1641). His peak period was during the Shoho and Keian eras. He never assumed the name Tadayoshi and instead used Tadahiro. He received an estate and an annual stipend of 20 koku of rice from the clan, contributing significantly to the prominence of Hizen swords. His sword-making career spanned approximately 60 years, and he produced numerous works with diverse styles. He passed away at the age of 80 in the Genroku 6th year (1693). His swords were highly praised for their sharpness and designated as “Great Achievements.” Particularly, the fine quality of the jigane (grain pattern) in his swords is considered unrivaled in Hizen, and he is highly regarded as a master, second only to his father Tadayoshi. This piece, with its exceptional visibility, represents a work that evokes the longevity of ancient swords.
From Aoi Art: Hizen swords were developed under the patronage of the Nabeshima clan, with Hizen Tadayoshi at the center, and they were passed down through many disciples until the late Edo period. The unique jigane of Hizen, considered a closely guarded secret, made it stand out and outshine others. Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro lived a long life and was actively producing swords at the foot of the mountains, supported by many disciples. This piece beautifully embodies the characteristics of Hizen swords influenced by the longevity tradition of ancient swords. It is a superb work of exceptional craftsmanship.
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Paper
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata by Ayaka Tsuruta
*The price does not include international shipping fees.
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