Type: Katana, Mumei (Unsigned)

Item No.: ujka012

Swordsmith: Kashu Iehira  (賀州家平)

Period: Genroku (1688-1704) – Shinto

Location: Kaga (present day Ishikawa-ken)

Length: 64.7cm

Curvature: 1.2cm

Mekugi: 2

Hamon: Yazuha Midare (Fishtail-shaped, irregular pattern)

Habaki: Silver jacket wrapped on copper

Certification: NBTHK HOZON (A Sword Worthy of Conservation Certificate from the Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword)

Included: Beautiful black koshirae mounting, carry bag (slightly torn due to age), sword maintenance kit, NBTHK Hozon certification paper, sword stand

This is a katana produced in Kashu within the Kaga province (modern-day Ishikawa prefecture).   It was crafted by the well respected swordsmith Iehira more than 300 years ago to the Genroku period from 1688-1704.  The hamon (temper line) is fantastically original and rare – it’s called Yazuha-ba, meaning “fishtail wisps that dance along the blade”.

Notice how the dark body contrasts this artistic hamon so magnificently, this is a classic feature of blades from Kashu in Kaga.   The blade, it must be said, is also in excellent condition.

What really pulls this sword together is its majestic koshirae (mounting).  The lacquer saya (scabbard) dates back to the late Edo period (1850/60s).  You will notice Japanese kamon (Samurai crests) painted on the scabbard as well.   These kamons signifies that the sword was almost certainly owned by a Daimyo (Feudal Lord) family in the region.  As it is not signed, it would have been produced within castle walls directly for the Daimyo family.

It has been kept is sublime condition, looks new, and the bright yellow silk sageo (cord) provides a brilliant contrast to the deep black scabbard.

Unlike most tsuka (hilts), which are made from silk, this is made with black leather, which appears to be wrapped in the late Edo period (1850s/60s).   This provides good grip, which is immediately apparent when one holds this katana. It’s not a particularly long piece, but it was designed this way.   It possesses a wonderful balance that lies between the lengths of a wakizashi and long katana. It was most certainly a reliable piece in battle.

The late Edo menuki (ornaments under the leather cord) on the tsuka are dragons for power and personal protection.  The late Edo tsuba (guard) shows elements of bamboo, symbolic of continuous personal growth.  Furthermore, the late Edo kashira (base of the hilt) shows a colored carving of the revered Ume (plum) tree signifying re-birth and prosperity.

The skillyfully made habaki (collar guard) is silver wrapped on copper and also produced in the late Edo period, and its late Edo katana bag has aged beautifully.

This sword offers tremendous value as it is fully certified as a conservation sword by the NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword).   Who wants to take care of her?

A 4% discount is offered for payments made directly to Unique Japan by direct bank transfer or in cash (dollars or yen).   An attractive layaway plan is also available as listed below. Contact us to purchase this sword.

Unique Japan is proud to offer a convenient layaway plan for our valued customers.   If you are interested in purchasing this sword on layaway, simply contact us here for more information. The general terms of our layaway plan are outlined here.

If you are an American citizen living on Okinawa, we encourage layaway plans to use the services of G.I. Bill Pay, whom we have an account with.   They can create a cost-effective payment plan that works best for you.

If you are interested in this sword and others from our collection, please contact us to book an appointment.   Private meetings are generally arranged within the Tokyo area.

Unique Japan is able to ship swords from Japan to countries all over the world.   All legal exportation paperwork is included with every purchase.  Please allow about 4 weeks for us to process and ship an order from Japan.  Dealers welcome.