Antique Nihonto Katana Signed by Tadahiro NTHK TOKUBETSU KICHO TOKEN Certificate

Authentic Nihontō Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Hizen no kuni Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro 肥前國近江大掾藤原忠廣 NTHK TOKUBETSU KICHŌ TŌKEN Certificate

近江大掾忠廣 (Omi Daijo Tadahiro) was the son of the first generation 肥前國忠吉 (Hizen Kuni Tadayoshi), and his childhood name was 平作郎 (Heisakuro). When he was nineteen years old, in August of the ninth year of 寛永 (Kan'ei), his father 忠吉 (Tadayoshi) passed away at the age of sixty-one. Thus, he succeeded the family estate at a young age. Despite his youth, he had already mastered the skills of a top-tier swordsmith and led his family to prosperity.

After becoming independent, 平作郎 (Heisakuro) changed his name to 新左衛門 (Shinzaemon) like his father and served 鍋島勝茂 (Nabeshima Katsushige) as a swordsmith of the 佐賀藩 (Saga Domain). In the eighteenth year of 寛永 (Kan'ei), he received the title of 近江大掾 (Omi Daijo). During a period of high demand for swords, he led his disciples as a swordsmith of the Saga Domain and left behind many excellent works.

近江大掾忠廣 (Omi Daijo Tadahiro) was highly renowned and recognized for his exceptional sharpness, being classified as a top-quality swordsmith. Even today, he is celebrated as a master of the early Edo period 肥前忠吉家 (Hizen Tadayoshi family). Although effectively the second generation 忠吉 (Tadayoshi), he never signed his works as 忠吉 (Tadayoshi), instead only using the name 忠廣 (Tadahiro).

In the third year of 貞享 (Jokyo), after the death of his heir 陸奥守忠吉 (Mutsu no Kami Tadayoshi, the third generation Tadayoshi), he guided his grandson 近江大掾忠吉 (Omi Daijo Tadayoshi, the fourth generation Tadayoshi). In May of the sixth year of 元禄 (Genroku), he passed away at the venerable age of eighty.

His career as a swordsmith spanned over sixty years, making him a rare and exceptional master who elevated the name of 肥前刀 (Hizen swords) to great heights.

This sword features a well-forged 小板目肌 (ko-itame hada) with a beautiful grain and dense 地沸 (ji-nie), presenting the so-called 小糠肌 (konuka hada). The blade has a bright and clear 匂口 (nioi-guchi) with a stunning 乱れ刃 (midare-ba), including some 互ノ目丁子 (gunome-choji), 砂流 (sunagashi), and a style distinct from the typical 直刃 (suguha) of 肥前刀 (Hizen swords).

The blade has a gentle and elegant curvature with a well-forged 小板目 (ko-itame) and 地沸 (ji-nie), featuring a mid-suguha with slight waves. The 匂口 (nioi-guchi) is bright and clear, with rich 小沸 (ko-nie) mixed with 互ノ目 (gunome) and 砂流 (sunagashi), and the 鋩子 (boshi) returns straight and round.

The accompanying 拵 (koshirae) is a completely original piece, using fine 肥後金具 (Higo fittings) with gold inlays, attracting attention. This 半太刀拵 (hantachi koshirae) is a standalone masterpiece.

Bare weight: 758 grams. Weight with 拵 (koshirae) and without 鞘 (saya): 1,046 grams.

Nihontō Information