Type: Wakizashi, Zaimei (Signed on blade)

Item No.: ujwa017

Swordsmith: Masachika (Signed on blade) of the Sue-Mihara School 脇差　正近（貝三原)

Period: Late Muromachi (1550~1600)

Location: Bingo (modern-day Hiroshima)

Length: 42.1cm

Curvature: 1.3cm

Mekugi: 1

Hamon: Suguha

Habaki: Silver wrapped on copper base

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

Included: Black koshirae featuring Okinawa Shisa lions, silk carry bag, sword maintenance kit, NBTHK Hozon certification paper, sword stand

Here is wonderfully made signed wakizashi by Masachika from the end of Muromachi period that we are pleased to offer.

The highly prized Mihara school in Bingo province (modern day Hiroshima) of Bizen tradition was founded by Masaie, with roots at the end of the Kamakura period (1312-1317). Masachika was probably the most well-known smith from the Sue-Mihara (late Mihara era) of sword making. The sword is blessed with a lovely curvature and a tough ko-mokume body (small swirls of a wood-like formation). The hamon (temper line) is a narrow suguha (straight line) with a tight nioi (milky white particles).

A real treat for the eyes are the highly prized gold Shisa lions menuki under the beautiful leather hilt. Shisa lions bring the blade power, security and good fortune. Shisa lions are believed to protect from evil and are an important cultural symbol on Okinawa. When in pairs, the left shisa traditionally has a closed mouth, the right one an open mouth. The open mouth wards off evil spirits, and the closed mouth to keeps good spirits in.

Further complimenting the sword are a very original late-Edo period tsuba (guard) and graceful swirls on the kashira (base of the hilt) and a gold niju (double) habaki. This unique sword offers tremendous value as it is signed and certified by the NBTHK. Who wants to be her owner?

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. Contact us to purchase this sword.

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.