Katana - Hirotaka - Uchigatana/Shirasaya Koshirae SOLD

• • Blade length: 70.9 cm
  • Curvature: 1.2 cm
  • Number of Mekugi hole: 3
  • Sakihaba: 18.8 mm
  • Sakikasane: 4.1 mm
  • Motohaba: 29.9 mm
  • Motokasane: 5.5 mm
  • Signature: Hoki no Kami Fujiwara Hirotaka(front), Echizen no Ju(back)
  • Era: Koto
  • Structure: Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune
  • Jitetsu: Itame
  • Hamon: Suguha
  • Boshi: Komaru ni Kaeru
  • Weight(Blade only): 710 g
  • Nakago: Suriage
  • Original Registration No.: Nagasaki 4351

Hirotaka was a leading swordsmith of the Shimosaka school in the Echizen region. He was originally an apprentice of Kanetane, and his swords were reputed at the time to be very sharp. He is one of the most popular swordsmiths of the Shimosaka school. He is also known by his nickname "Bontaka" or "Bonryu" because of the alternative phonetic pronunciation of his name's kanji

This sword is a beautifully robust work, typical of Hirotaka. It maintains a perfect balance between the overall width and curvature of the blade. His powerful signature is engraved on the nakago. The jitetsu is itame, and the hamon has an active pattern of nitedeki gunome and midare mix. He is a master craftsman known for his extremely high level of skill and this sword is a wonderful example of that. It is a very beautiful piece with no flaws or cloudiness, but a powerful sword that can be used for test cutting.

The sword is also equipped with both shirasaya and uchigatana koshirae. A rare wrapping technique called "Yuidama" is used for the tsuka-maki. The sword fittings are from the Edo period, further enhancing the sharpness in appearance of Hirotaka's sword. The scabbard is modern, and its lacquering is two-tone with an inden-style lacquer and kuroro. NBTHK has certified the sword as one that should be preserved for posterity, and a certificate of authenticity is also included.