Hōki no Kami Nobutaka

Hōki no Kami Nobutaka was a swordsmith active in Owari Province (present-day western Aichi Prefecture) during the early Edo period, counted as one of the "Owari Sansaku" — the three master swordsmiths of Owari.

Relocation to Owari

After honing his craft in Mino Province, Nobutaka relocated to the castle town of Nagoya around the time construction of Nagoya Castle began in 1610 (Keichō 15). He subsequently served as the chief representative of the Owari Seki swordsmiths.

Hereditary Service to the Owari Tokugawa

The Nobutaka name was passed down through five generations, each receiving the title "Hōki no Kami," reflecting the deep trust placed in the lineage by the Owari Tokugawa house, whom they served as official domain swordsmiths over a long period.

Style and Characteristics

Nobutaka's work is characterized above all by its overall restraint. His hamon are nie-based, but show fewer nie particles than those of fellow Owari Seki master Sagami-no-kami Masatsune, and frequently display gunome-midare patterns.

Representative Works

Notable surviving works include a 71.7cm blade signed "Hōki no Kami Fujiwara Nobutaka" (designated Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken) and a 76cm spear (ōmi-yari) signed "Hōki no Kami Fujiwara Nobutaka" (designated Jūyō Tōken, Important Sword).