MUSASHI DAIJO TADAHIRO SIGNED KATANA WITH HOZON AND TOKUBETSU KICHO PAPERS.

This is a fantastic example of a shodai Tadayoshi katana, signed "Hizen no Kuni Musashi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro". He started signing in the way after he was granted the title "Musashi Daijo", and changed his name to accommodate the new title. Tadayoshi is considered one of the pre-eminent sword smiths of his era, and is rated Saijosaku in Fujishiro, indicating his immense talent, and is rated Saijo Owazamono, indicating his blades were amongst the finest cutting blades available. He studied under Umetada Myoju, and was appointed Okakaekaji, forging swords specifically for the Nabeshima clan. The forging is in Tadayoshi's Yamashiro style, with a tight jigane with areas of chikei throughout, a nie deki hamon with plenty of kinsuji, yo, and ashi, and a maru boshi. The sword has been shortened in the period of use, and the final "hiro" character has been partially cut off as a result. Housed in shirasaya, with sayagaki also opinion to the authenticity of the signature. The sword is accompanied by two NBTHK certifications, one Tokubetsu Kicho paper, and one Hozon paper, both of which attest to the authenticity of the signature. PROVENANCE: This sword was recently exported from Japan, and has not been available on the US market prior. CONDITION: Excellent, in good polish showing off the features of this sword well. There is some mossing near the ha machi, but appears surface level as it does not have any texture. Nakago very good with four mekugi-ana, two plugged. This is an outstanding sword from one of the best Shinto makers.

Name

Value

Blade Length

2 shaku 5 bun (29 - 13/16"

Overall Length

42"

Paperwork

TK, Hozon papers