NBTHK Hozon papered Katana signed Bungo-ju Fujiwara NORIYUKI Shin-kitae
Shinto Early Edo period (Kanbun era/circa 1661-) Bungo Length of cutting edge 68.5cm, Curvature 1.8cm, Width of base 31.0cm, Width of Yokote 18.4mm, Thickness of base 7.0mm
Blade construction (kengyo) : Shinogi-zuruki, Iori-mune. Both mihaba and kasane are average. The nagasa measures approximate 70cm and the blade tapers strongly holding appropriate curve leading to a medium Chū-kissaki which is referred to as kanbun-shinto-sugata (Kanbun era /1661-73).
Forging (Hada): Forging is a subdued fine Mokume-hada which is densely forged as usually appears during Shinto age.
Temper (Hamon): Hamon is a bit on stronger side Nie based, starts with shallow Notare wavy Yakidashi, flamboyant pattern of Ō-midare - mixture of large Gunome zigzag, Clove outline with complex various patterns. The quench splashes into Hiraji surface entirely and some quenching temper Muneyaki appears on the back ridge to form Hitatsura. The entire quench scene is vividly bright.
Temper of tip (Boshi): Temper of Boshi is covered with deep Nie, medium circle turns back deeply that connects to Muneyaki.
Tang (Nakago): Nakago is UBU original. One Mekugiana peg hole and Kiri (horizontal) filemarks. Double-bevelled shape of heel on bottom. The signature in Hakiomote in seven character that starts with place of work Bungo-ju 豊後住, name of clan Fujiwara 藤原 and smith name NORIYUKI 則行 and the other side is chiselled with the method of forging Shin Kitae 真鍛.
Ancient times in Bungo province (now in Oita pref.) of 12th century, the famed sword smiths monk SADAHIDE 定秀 or YUKIHIRA 行平 had come out, then for a long ages in 14th century of Nanbokucho period, smith TOMOYUKI 友行 appeared in Takada town. TOMOYUKI 友行 is the famed sword maker for the founder of Bungo Takada school in medieval period. According to a classic, TOMOYUKI 友行 had learned Soshu-Bizen school technique in Osafune, Bizen province and also took lessons from SADAMUNE 貞宗 in Kamakura, Soshu province.
Those makers in Takada school during Muromachi age used to named prefix Taira 平 whereas on after Shinto period, most of sword makers added a name of clan Fujiwara 藤原 and used a suffix YUKI 行 in their smith name. NORIYUKI 則行 lineage performed 5 major traditions very well and had been succeeded throughout Edo period until the 9th generation to meet with transformed preferences from Samurai class or taste from townspeople. The subject katana was made by 1st generation NORIYUKI 則行 who was active during Kanbun era (1661-), real name Abe Saburo'emon 阿部三郎右衛門 and was apprenticed to Aizawa MASAYUKI 藍沢正行. He followed the example of HIROMASA 広正 or TSUNAHIRO 綱広 from Soshu tradition, using powerfully forged steel chiselled as true folded 真鍛 for the most durable blade construction and Hitatsura 皆焼 temper proves supreme sharp performance. with)
Brown stone surface lacquered scabbard Uchikatana Koshirae
Fuchi/Kashira : Dragon on clouds design, Shakudo ground, Takabori carving Iroe inlay, unsigned
Menuki : Ebisu - the god of wealth design, Shakudo Yobori, Iroe inlay
Tsuba : Tachibana flower petals design, Iron ground openwork, unsigned
Tsuka : White rayskin, Blue silk cord logenze wrapped Copper ground Silver foiled
Habaki collar for Shirasaya/Silver ground Habaki for Koshirae, preserved in a
Shirasaya plain wood mounting Good old polish/Condition scale: excellent-very good (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor).
