Description

ITEM DESCRIPTION:

Comes with kimono or cotton bag. Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto. Comes with original prefecture certificate. Comes With NBTHK Tokobetsu Hozon.

KATANA “Hirosaki-jū Norisada”, Man’en 1 (1860)

Translation of the Torokusho (official Japanese registration)

Registration Certificate for Swords and Firearms
Number: Aomori Prefecture No. 979
Blade length: 2 shaku 2 sun 9 bu = approx. 69.4 cm
Date of issue: June 25, 1951
The document certifies this sword as a legally registered Japanese weapon.

Detailed description

Signature

The blade is signed:

弘前住紀貞造 – Hirosaki-jū Norisada tsukuru
“Made by Norisada of Hirosaki.”

Norisada worked in Tsugaru (Aomori Prefecture) during the late Edo period, supplying high-ranking samurai of the region.

The blade bears a date:
Man’en 1, 8th month (1860).

A historically significant moment, just before the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate.

3. Blade – Technical analysis

Hamon

A clear notare–gunome hamon with refined nie, ashi, yō, and traces of sunagashi.
The polish reveals a strong contrast between ji and ha.

Hada

A well-forged itame mixed with mokume, lively and typical of northern schools.
Visible activity and uniform texture throughout.

Kissaki

A well-proportioned chū-kissaki with a smooth transition and a properly returning boshi.

Nakago

Two mekugi-ana, well-preserved patina, and a clean, authentic signature consistent with late-Edo work from Aomori.

Koshirae – Complete mountings

A standout feature of this sword is its magnificent Edo-period koshirae, remarkably well preserved.

Tsuka

• Leather-wrapped tsuka-ito in dark brown tones.

• Fine-grain samegawa.

• Menuki: golden dragon, symbolizing power and protection.

• Fuchi/Kashira with vegetal motifs highlighted in gold.

Tsuba

Iron tsuba with floral and scroll motifs, featuring a deep, authentic patina and elegant Edo craftsmanship.

Saya

Saya decorated with a lacquered textile-style floral pattern in brown and black tones.
This luxurious decoration reflects a mount made for a samurai of status.

Sageo

Silk sageo in yellow tones, matching the saya and maintaining historical consistency.

Historical narrative

Forged in 1860, this blade belongs to the final era of political tension before the Meiji Restoration.
Norisada served the Tsugaru domain, which invested heavily in quality arms as conflicts escalated nationwide.

The sophisticated koshirae —golden dragon menuki, textile-style saya, refined fittings— strongly suggests ownership by a high-ranking samurai, possibly an officer or administrator within the domain.

The NBTHK certification (Tokubetsu Hozon Token) confirms its high artistic and historical value.

Technical Sheet

• Smith: Hirosaki-jū Norisada (弘前住紀貞)

• Date: Man’en 1 (1860)

• Period: Edo

• Blade length: 69.4 cm

• Blade type: Katana

• Hamon: Notare–gunome with rich activity

• Hada: Itame mixed with mokume

• Mounting: High-quality Edo koshirae

• Saya: Lacquered textile-style floral decoration

• Certificate: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token

• Registration: Aomori No. 979