Sword - Tamahagane - Japan - Late Edo period

The greatest魅力 is that this品 is a rare gem, featuring two generations of important appraisal: the “Special Important Sword” and the “Special Precious Sword.” In addition, it bears a highly valuable scabbard inscription by the renowned modern swordsmith Honami Koson, giving it exceptional reliability and overwhelming collection value. From the late Edo period, during the Temmon-era in Musashi Province, this blade comes from the master craftsman Fujiwara Masatsugu, and is in superb condition with both the blade and hamon remaining fresh and vitality intact.

Double Certification
In addition to being certified as a “Special Precious Sword” in the Showa era, it possesses both that designation and the current NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyōkai) “Special Preservation Sword” certification, making this a very luxurious [double certificate] piece. It is a solid proof of quality that has passed multiple rigorous evaluations across eras, ensuring authenticity as a genuine work and a robust asset value.

Form, workmanship and condition
Polished with virtually no flaws, it maintains an exceptionally healthy condition. Theji is densely packed with a tight itame pattern, exhibiting fine ji-nie that adds depth and luster. The blade’s hamon is based on a dignified straight-style (suguha) with a shallow notare, and the edge gleams with uniform nie. Rather than relying on flashiness, it showcases the high craftsmanship and the sharp tip that are characteristic of Masatsugu. The blade’s both sides feature a neat “bo-Hi” (straight groove) carved beautifully, enhancing the blade’s noble appearance and providing an exquisite weight balance in the hand. It presents a strong, sturdy silhouette in width and thickness, yet smoothly curves toward the tip with a flowing sori.

Who was the master Fujiwara Masatsugu
He is the third generation of the renowned Mizukōko Shōshu lineage, descendant of the second generation Shōshu (the White Bear Dojo). In the late Edo period during the Temmō era in Musashi Province (Edo), he inherited the teachings of his father and grandfather and produced many superb blades that combined practicality with beauty. The nakago bears an early, clearly legible inscription, making the piece valuable from a documentary standpoint as well.

The mounting
In addition to the double certification, the white scabbard bears a shōshi by Honami Koson, the leading figure in Showa-era sword appraisal and research. A Koson-inscribed scabbard on a blade is highly prized in the market and serves as a major highlight confirming the master craftsman’s superb skill.

Specifications
Type: Sword
Mei (bladesmith’s signature): Front: “Fujiwara Masatsugu” (with a hao) and possession signature “Fujiwara Masujun in possession” / Back: “June of Temmō 8”
Era: Late Edo period (Temmō era)
Katsura: Shinogi-zukuri
Blade length: 61.2 cm
Sori: 1.67 cm
Moto width: 28.9 mm
Moto thickness: 7.4 mm
Saki width: 19.0 mm
Saki thickness: 5.6 mm
Weight (blade only): 630 g

Registration & Legal Documentation
All blades handled by our shop come with the official Government registration certificate (Juhō Tōken Toroku-shō) issued by the Japanese government. This certificate confirms that the blade is legally registered within Japan. Export requires surrender to the Japanese government, but our shop handles all export procedures. Note that this registration certificate does not certify or authenticate the swordsmith, the inscription, or the attribution to the author.