Description
Authentic Nihontō Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Hizen Yoshikane 新々刀肥前吉包 NBTHK HOZON TOKEN Certificate
吉包, along with the ninth-generation 忠吉 and 吉宗, was a renowned swordsmith of Hizen during the late Edo period. He is counted among the "Seven Sages of Saga" and crafted swords for prominent figures such as 江藤新平 and 島義勇, who were key figures in the Saga Rebellion.
The existence of 吉包, along with the ninth-generation 忠吉 and 吉宗, is not widely known, and their surviving works are extremely rare. It is speculated that they worked in the shadow of the eighth-generation 忠吉, often creating swords on his behalf. Their exceptional skill likely contributed to the high reputation of the eighth-generation 忠吉, who is often mentioned alongside the first, second, and third generations. Despite their high level of craftsmanship, they were unfortunate to live through the turbulent times of the late Edo period, the Meiji Restoration, and the abolition of the sword, which limited their opportunities to thrive as swordsmiths. As a result, their work was not highly recognized until recent times.
This particular sword by 吉包 is a hidden masterpiece, valuable as a rare example of the craftsmanship of the three great swordsmiths of late Edo Hizen (the ninth-generation 忠吉, 吉包, and 吉宗). Its polished blade, which shines brightly, surpasses even that of his master, the eighth-generation 忠吉, and rivals the works of the earlier generations. Though it was registered late in Showa 63, the similarity in style to other swords in our collection by the ninth-generation 忠吉 suggests that this sword was likely owned by a family associated with the Nabeshima clan or a high-ranking samurai.
This sword was found covered in light rust and with a deteriorated handle wrap. However, it has undergone extensive restoration, including high-quality polishing by an award-winning polisher from the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai's polishing competition, new Shirasaya, and a silk-wrapped handle.
Please take this opportunity to acquire this well-preserved sword by 吉包, one of the three great swordsmiths of late Edo Hizen, whose craftsmanship shines through to this day.
Bare weight: 651 grams.
Weight with koshirae: 984 grams.
Nihontō Information
| Name 名称 | 無銘（新々刀肥前吉包） - Mumei（Hizen Yoshikane） - |
| Blade Length 刀長 | 二尺二寸三分四厘 / 67.7 cm |
| Sori 反り | 四分 / 1.2 cm |
| Blade Width 元幅 | 30.1 mm |
| Blade Thickness 元重 | 6.7 mm |
| Tip Width 先幅 | 物打23.8 mm 横手位置22.0 mm |
| Tip Thickness 先重 | 物打5.3 mm 横手位置6.0 mm |
| Mekugi-ana 目釘穴 | 1個 |
| Age 時代 | 江戸末期慶應頃（1865～）The last years of Edo era (19th Century) |
| Certificate 鑑定書 | 保存刀剣鑑定書 (NBTHK HOZON TOKEN Certificate) |
| Registration 登録 | 昭和63年5月23日 大阪府登録 Registered on May 23, 1988, in Osaka Prefecture |
| Included 附属 | ・素銅地銀着はばき (Plain copper habaki with silver plating) |
| ・黒刷毛目塗鞘打刀拵 (Black brushed lacquer saya uchigatana koshirae) | |
| ・白鞘/継木 (Shirasaya Case / Tsugiki) |
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