Hizen Kuni jū Ōmi Daijō Fujiwara Tadayoshi (4th Generation)
肥前国住近江大掾藤原忠吉
Item TK 011

Period: Shinto Period - The Genroku era (1688-1704)
Mei (Signature): 肥前国住近江大掾藤原忠吉
Designation: Tokubetsu Hozon
Nakago - Ubu - 2 Mekugi-Ana
Nagasa - 70.3cm
Sori: - 1.2cm
Motohaba - 3.0cm
Sakihaba - 1.9cm
Kissaki - 2.9cm
Motokasane - 0.8cm
Nakago - 22.4cm

Price: ¥ 1,800,000

Hizen Tadayoshi - 4th Generation

The Hizen Tadayoshi school was one of the most important and prolific sword-making traditions of the Edo period, established in Hizen Province (modern-day Saga Prefecture). Known for their meticulous craftsmanship, the Tadayoshi smiths were famed for producing swords with an exceptionally refined Konuka-hada—a tight, rice-grain pattern that became the school’s signature. Their works were highly prized by both daimyō and the Tokugawa shogunate for their elegance, consistency, and cutting performance.

This katana was forged by the fourth-generation Tadayoshi, who signed his blades as Hizen Koku Ju Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadayoshi. Born in 1667 as Hashimoto Gensuke, he was the son of the third-generation Tadayoshi (Mutsu no Kami) and grandson of the famed second-generation Tadahiro. Following the early death of his father, the young smith trained extensively under his grandfather and is known to have forged numerous blades on his behalf—a practice known as daisaku, in which a trusted disciple or successor produces swords under the name of the master. This reflects the high level of trust and skill passed through the family line. The fourth-generation Tadayoshi was officially awarded the prestigious title of Omi Daijo (近江大掾) in the Genroku era (1700), and this sword was produced sometime thereafter. As is typical of the Hizen tradition, the blade is signed in tachi-mei but without a date, a common practice within the school.

The blade exhibits the reserved elegance that Hizen swords are known for, with a shallow sori that gives it a composed and balanced form. What sets this piece apart, however, is its unusually thick kasane (blade thickness), giving it a powerful and substantial presence in hand—uncommon for blades of this period and style. The jigane is an exceptional example of the school’s characteristic konuka-hada, with a tight, glistening grain that clearly shows under light, reflecting the meticulous folding and forging techniques perfected in Hizen. The nakago bears the full formal signature, affirming the smith’s rank and lineage.

Overall, this is a textbook example of mid-Edo period Hizen craftsmanship at its mature stage, offering both the refined aesthetic and strong, practical features that define the best works of the school. It is a standout piece from a highly respected lineage, ideal for collectors seeking an excellent and representative work by the fourth-generation Tadayoshi.