Katana - Shigetaka - NBTHK Hozon Certificate - Shirasaya - Ubu Nakago - Shinto Era - Hyogo 89409
A newly acquired big kissaki katana by Shigetaka, active during the Kanbun period in the early Edo era, has arrived.
It is in exceptionally fine condition with zero flaws such as rust or chips. The entire blade is polished, and there are no forging marks on the hiraji or shinogi-ji. A slight forging mark resembling a flaw is visible within the groove carved on the sashimote side, but it does not detract from the blade's beauty.
The jigane exhibits the characteristic slightly darkened hue typical of Echizen blades, with a itame grain pattern showing jigane and yubashiri. The hamon is a gunome-midare pattern with nie-deki, and the kinsen is clearly visible within the ha. The kissaki is large and full of presence.
The nakago is inscribed: “Echizen Ju Harimadaijo Fujiwara Shigetaka.” He was originally born in Iida, Shinano Province. After becoming a disciple of Kanenori, he moved to Echizen with his master during the Tensho period. Since then, the name Shigetaka has continued for eleven generations, and his work is said to closely resemble that of the famous Yasutsugu from the same Echizen region.
In August 2025, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords authenticated this katana as a genuine work by Shigetaka and issued a Hozon certificate, recognizing it as possessing high value for preservation for future generations.
This is a superb piece, featuring ample length, excellent condition, and an accompanying certificate of appraisal. A custom Uchigatana Koshirae can be crafted for an additional fee. Those wishing to add this option should indicate so in the comments section when placing their order.
- Blade length: 71.1 cm
- Curvature: 2.0 cm
- Number of Mekugi hole: 1
- Sakihaba: 23.2 mm
- Sakikasane: 4.0 mm
- Motohaba: 30.7 mm
- Motokasane: 5.9 mm
- Signature: Echizen ju Harima Daijo Fujiwara Shigetaka(front)
- Era: Shinto
- Structure: Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune
- Jigane: Itame
- Hamon: Gunome Midare
- Boshi: Midarekomi
- Weight: 680 g(blade only)
- Nakago: Ubu
- Koshirae: Shirasaya
- Original Registration No.: Hyogo 89409
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