Ishido Fujiwara Korekazu 8th Gen Naginata　　石堂藤原是一　八代 薙刀
Item No. TK008

  • Period: The late Edo period-early Meiji era (1830-1891)

  • Mei (Signature) : 藤原是一作 (Fujiwara Korekazu saku)

  • Nakago - Ubu　　　

  • Nagasa - 44.6cm

  • Sori: - 3.5cm

  • Motohaba - 2.8cm

  • Motokasane - 0.81cm

  • Nakago - 39.8cm

Price: ¥ 650,000

The Ishido Korekazu School

The first-generation Korekazu is believed to have originated from Ōmi Province (present-day Shiga Prefecture), and was reputedly a descendant of Ichimonji Sukemune. He later relocated to Edo, where he established the Edo branch of the Ishidō school at the start of the Edo period. The school thrived throughout the entire Edo era, becoming one of the most prominent and respected smithing traditions in Edo city (Musashi Province). In 1721, Korekazu was appointed as an Okakae-kaji — an official swordsmith for the Tokugawa shogunate. The name “Korekazu” was carried on for eight generations.

The 8th generation Ishidō Korekazu was a distinguished swordsmith active during the late Edo period, continuing the esteemed legacy of the Ishidō school in Edo (modern-day Tokyo).

Naginata by the 8th Generation Ishido Korekazu

This finely crafted naginata is the work of the 8th generation Ishido Korekazu (八代目石堂是康), a highly regarded smith of the Edo period.

The blade features a meticulously forged tight ko-itame jigane, subtle yet refined, with a delicate, slightly textured surface that gives off a moist appearance under light — a testament to the use of high-quality, expertly worked tamahagane.

The blade is forged with a fine, straight suguha hamon that complements the elegant, symmetrical curvature of the naginata-zukuri form. The hamon runs evenly along the edge, lending the blade a sense of refined restraint — a classic trait of disciplined workmanship.

The motohaba (base width) is impressively broad, while the kasane (thickness) remains substantial throughout. Of particular note is the exceptionally thick and wide saki-kasane (tip thickness), which stands out in both form and function. This added mass at the tip reinforces the blade’s battlefield utility, offering increased durability and strength in thrusting or impact-based usage — a hallmark of truly functional naginata design.

A bohi (main groove) paired with a soe-bi (accompanying secondary groove) is present. This dual groove configuration not only reduces weight and enhances handling, but also adds a dynamic aesthetic element, emphasizing the elegant curvature of the blade.

The mune (spine) is sharply ridged in iori-mune form, contributing to the overall bold, architectural silhouette of the piece. Together with its flawless polish and powerful presence, this naginata offers a rare opportunity to acquire a historically and functionally significant blade from one of the Ishido line’s most distinguished generations.

Comes with Full length Naginata Koshirae,　Tsunagi and Shirasaya with Sayagaki.

Thick Saki-kasane