In the second month, the tenth year of Eiroku (A.D.1567)
*Reported/certificated on the ShowaToken meibutsu-cho
*Juho-Token certificate paper
Length of cutting edge70.2cm Curvature2.0cm Width of base33.2mm Width of Yokote25.2mm Thickness of base7.7mm
Kitae(forging pattern) : Kitae-hada is conspicuous Itame-hada (wooden grain) and mixing in with the swelling masame hada pattern.The entire steel shows bluish impression and is covered in speckled ji-nie that generates reflecting irregular whitish Utsuri reflection effect clearly over the surface.
Hamon(tempering pattern) : Hamon forms generally Notare swelling pattern to review in detail, shows small gunome zigzag mixing in with combined choji-ha (clove out-line). ASHI feet frequently work toward the cutting edge that varies in angle. The YOU dots float in the temper. The entire temper from base to tip varies in shape and rich in activity, gaily decorated.
Boshi (tip): The temper of tip is Midarekomi irregular lines, blushing up indication then small circle turns back.
Nakago(tang) : UBU in original which holds an original clear file-mark KIRI horizontal with one mekugi-ana retaining hole. The signature in hakiomite is located on the shinogi-ji, clearly chiselled starting with the work of place [Kashu-Fujiwara-ju] and the smith name [YOSHITSUGU-saku] and the reversed side is chiselled the date of year [The second month, tenth year of EIROKU] (A.D.1567). It is impressive that the tang holds a nice taste of patina and remains clear marks of original chisel.
Powerful clans or generals from the disturbance period of Warring States Period to the Azuchi Momoyama state required the rich, massive volume and thick in kasane with high shinogi-ridge, with well-proportioned deep curve. Heavy on hand, solid construction and point is broad, showing a brave samurai spirit. The sword smiths' frontiers in Kaga province were originated to Fujishima-Tomoshige (a pupil of Rai Kunitoshi/Kyoto) or Sanekage (a pupil of Norishige/Echu) and had been prospered during Muromachi up to Edo period. The subject sword smith YOSHITUSGU is quite rare and the date of year adds histrical and reserch value as well. This katana is listed/reported on the Showa Meibutsu-cho list Speciality and awarded the Juho-Token certificate and added NBTHK(HOZON) certificate recently. The blade is in an old polish state to show a grain open ware on Hiraji in upper front side, which is common normal ware in considerarion of the age 440 years, whereas it is impressive that the entire blade still holds an almost original, rich and voluptuous mass. This katana is full of brave Samurai spirit and hidden awe-inspiring power.
Copper habaki with silver foiled collar, Shira-Saya Plain wood mounting.
