19/08/2025
For sale : Antique Japanese Katana Sword signed ōshū Takata ju Fujiwara Yoshiyuki - Hozon
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https://tokyo-nihonto.com/products/antique-japanese-katana-sword-signed-oshu-takata-ju-fujiwara-yoshiyuki-hozon
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Signature (Mei): Toyoshū Takada-jū
Swordsmith : Toyoshū Takada-jū Fujiwara Yoshiyuki
School / Tradition: Bungo Takada school / Sōshū–Yamashiro influenced workmanship
Period / Province: Edo period / Bungo (Toyoshū; present-day Ōita)
Certificate: NBTHK Hozon (保存刀剣)
Mounting: Complete koshirae with blue silk wrap; copper habaki
Blade Length (Nagasa): 69.7 cm
Curvature (Sori): 1.2 cm
Mekugi-ana: 2
Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, chu-kissaki
Hamon: Notare mixed with ko-midare / ko-gunome
Jihada: Tight, refined grain consistent with Takada workmanship
Condition: Very good; clear hamon and jihada, minor handling marks around the machi consistent with mounting
An elegant katana signed by Fujiwara Yoshiyuki of the Takada school in Bungo. The blade shows a dignified shinogi-zukuri profile with gentle curvature and a lively, undulating notare–ko-midare hamon. Forging is tight and even across the ji, reflecting the sturdy, practical aesthetics for which Bungo Takada is admired. The sword is accompanied by NBTHK Hozon certification.
Geometry is healthy with a well-formed chu-kissaki and clear boshi. The nakago bears a neat mei on the omote and retains two mekugi-ana, suggesting a long service life while maintaining integrity. Overall, the blade remains in very good condition, suitable for collection and study.
The sword is mounted in a tasteful koshirae with coordinated blue and dark patinated tones:
Tsuba: Soft-metal plate carved with birds and blossoms, highlighted with gilt; a refined, naturalistic theme.
Fuchi–Kashira: Shakudō with gold accents; kashira decorated with a crescent moon and leaping hare over waves motif; fuchi with fine scrollwork.
Tsuka: Deep blue silk ito over white samegawa; figural menuki visible within the diamonds.
Saya: Gloss black lacquer saya paired with a brown sageo for a classic presentation.
Habaki: Solid copper habaki with crisp yasurime file marks.
Swordsmith Background
Fujiwara Yoshiyuki worked in Bungo (Toyoshū) within the renowned Takada school. Takada smiths produced dependable, sharp blades favored throughout the Edo period, blending influences from Yamashiro and Sōshū to create strong cutting swords with steady jigane and calm notare-based hamon. Works signed 「豊州高田住 (cut part : 藤原義行)」 are appreciated for their balanced shape and reliable workmanship.
School History
The Takada school formed one of Kyūshū’s most productive lineages. Originating in medieval Bungo, the group continued actively into Edo, supplying robust swords prized for practical performance. Typical features include tidy forging, resilient tempered edges in notare or gentle midare, and conservative, well-proportioned sugata—traits well represented by this piece.
