Description
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
Comes with kimono or cotton bag. Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto. Comes with copy of Tokosusho. Comes with NBTHK Tokobetsu kicho Certificate.
1) Documentation
Authentication Certificate (Tokubetsu Kichō Token)
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Type: Katana (刀)
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Smith: Fujiwara Kuniyoshi (藤原国吉作)
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Date of forging: Bunka 7, 2nd month (February 1810)
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Date of certification: June 9, 1961 (Shōwa 36)
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Issued by: Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai (NBTHK)
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Classification: Tokubetsu Kichō – Especially Precious
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Signed by: Hayakawa Yoshinori
Torokusho (Official Japanese Sword Registration)
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Type: Katana (刀)
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Blade length (nagasa): 67.9 cm
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Curvature (sori): 1.6 cm
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Mekugi-ana: 1
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Prefecture of registration: Tochigi
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Date of registration: December 12, 1960 (Shōwa 35)
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Inscription: Fujiwara Kuniyoshi saku (藤原国吉作) – dated Bunka 7 (1810)
2) Swordsmith, school and historical context
Fujiwara Kuniyoshi (藤原国吉) was an Edo-period swordsmith active during the early 19th century, specifically around the Bunka era (1804–1818). His work reflects refined control over heat treatment and elegant geometry typical of late Edo craftsmanship, blending elements of the Mino tradition with Edo influences.
The inscription “Bunka 7, 2nd month (1810)” firmly places this blade in a transitional period of Japanese sword history, when quality craftsmanship was still maintained before the decline of samurai warfare.
3) Technical description of the blade
With a nagasa of 67.9 cm and a curvature of 1.6 cm, the blade presents a well-balanced and harmonious profile. The geometry is clean and classical, with a neatly defined kissaki and fluid shinogi line.
The hamon is continuous and well-controlled, of traditional wavy form, with a bright nioiguchi and stable tempering throughout. It demonstrates technical precision and aesthetic refinement.
The jihada reveals a fine, well-forged grain with even surface quality, showing craftsmanship consistency. The polish allows clear observation of the steel and temper without overexposure.
The nakago retains its original dark patina with a single mekugi-ana and a clearly chiseled signature (tachi-mei), including the date “Bunka 7, 2nd month (1810)”. The shape is straight (kiri-jiri), proportionate, and neatly finished.
Overall condition is excellent, with the blade maintaining structural soundness and an appropriate polish that highlights its essential characteristics.
4) General assessment
This signed and dated katana by Fujiwara Kuniyoshi (1810) represents a fine Edo-period example of traditional craftsmanship. Its elegant form, preserved inscription, and verified Tokubetsu Kichō certification (NBTHK, 1961) make it a historically and aesthetically valuable piece for serious collectors seeking a genuine, documented, and well-balanced sword from early 19th-century Japan.
