Shodai Hizen Tadayoshi Katana, Sai Jo Saku, 1631 NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon
$25,500

Features:

A massive, flawless, and very healthy example by one of the top Shinto masters. This is a later work of Shodai Tadayoshi, signing Musashi Daijo Tadahiro, from Kanei era. The sword showcases the classic Hizen workmanship from the founder of the Tadayoshi school, including konuka hada and inspiration from early Yamashiro schools. Tadayoshi changed his mei to Tadahiro once approved with the title Musashi Daijo in 1624. He passed away in 1632.

The blade features a strong and robust sugata, defined by a wide mihaba and elongated kissaki. The nakago is ubu and signed Hizen Koku ju Musashi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro and dated Kanei Hachi Nen Ni Gatsu Kichi Jitsu (Spring, 1631). The jigane is a sparkling example of the classic Hizen konuka hada. The Yamashiro inspired suguha hamon evinces refined activities like small nezumi ashi mixed among a dense nioi guchi. The hamon finishes in a thick maru boshi.

Measurements:

Nagasa: 69.5 cm

Sori: 1.9 cm

Motohaba: 3.2 cm

Sakihaba: 2.4 cm

Kissaki: 4.4 cm

Nakago: 18.8 cm

Kasane: 6.6 mm