Type: Wakizashi, Zaimei (Signed on blade)

Item No.: ujwa015

Swordsmith: Hosokawa Yoshinori (細川　義規)

Period: 2nd of Meiji, August 1869 (Dated on blade)

Location: Tochigi prefecture

Length: 36.2cm

Mekugi: 1

Hamon: Small gunome (wave)

Habaki: Silver wrapped on copper base

Certification: NBTHK TOKUBETSU KICHO (Especially Precious Sword Certificate from the Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword)

Included: Sharkskin scabbard, brocade carry bag, sword maintenance kit, NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho certification paper, sword stand

This is one seriously eye-catching sword. This sharkskin scabbard is specially lacquered in way that resembles snakeskin. This is a sword that means business. The wavy gunome (wavy) hamon temper line runs down the sword like a swirling laser beam.

Yoshinori-san was a student of Hosokawa Masayoshi who was a very famous swordsmith in Edo Period. This sword was owned by a prominent Samurai in Utsunomiya Han, (a clan in modern-day Tochigi prefecture).

Historically, this sword is significant because it was made in the first years of the Meiji Period. This is a period when Samurai rule gave way to Imperial forces and Japan opened its borders to “foreigners” from around the world. The movie “The Last Samurai” took place during this important time in Japanese history.

The sword is further complimented with extremely detailed gold work of nezumi (rats) on the fuchi and kashira (top and bottom of the hilt). This is very symbolic as the clever, rat is honored in Asian culture. In Japan, a rat is often seen as the symbol of Daikoku, the god of wealth and prosperity. Therefore, a rat has the natural ability to be successful.

The tsuba (guard) is at least 130 years old too, and the handmade silver and gold detailed work is a delight. Notice the good fortune butterfly in the corner. This is a very collectible piece that we are proud to offer. The sword is further certified by the NBTHK with a vintage certificate.

A 5% 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.