A MOROKAGE WAKIZASHI (NAGINATA NAOSHI)

Overview

A powerful Naginata (pole arm) made 600 years ago, this naginata naoshi wakizashi is attributed to swordsmith Morokage (MOH-ROH-KAH-GEI) of the Bizen Omiya School that originated in and around 1326.

A naginata naoshi is a unique blade that has been re-shaped for use as a wakizashi or a katana. A visual explanation on how this sword came to be is outlined below (please scroll down to learn all about this sword).

Naginata were originally used by the Samurai class of feudal Japan as well as by sohei (warrior monks).

The Omiya School is names for the fact that swordsmiths migrated from Inokuma Omiya in Yamashiro province (Kyoto) to Bizen in the 1300s.

Swordsmith Morokage is the son of Omiya Morikage and the grandson of Omiya Moritsugu. Morokage worked at the end of the Nambokucho period and into the Oei era (1394-1427) at the start of the Muromachi period which is when this sword is tipped to have been made.

Omiya School swords are known for their high degree of sharpness and collectively were part of the Kozori group. Kozori means, “to gather together”. As such, swordsmiths of this Kozori group demonstrate an independently skilled approach to the art of sword making.

The koshirae (fittings) from the Edo Period (pre 1868) are so enjoyable to hold and admire. There is a definite mystical unryu (cloud dragon) theme that permeates throughout.

There are also important spiritual references to kawara (roof tiles) and Shisa lions on the menuki (grips on the hilt) that protect the sword and its owner.

Take note on how wide and robust the scabbard is given the tremendous girth of the blade itself. These fittings were clearly custom made for this sword.

A finely crafted dragon twists and billows its way around the tsuba (guard). The fuchi-kashira (collar & pommel) and kojiri (end of the scabbard) share a design commonality which makes the sword extra special.

Two Certificates of Authenticity from the NTHK-NPO for both the blade and its koshirae (fittings) accompany this sword attributing to its overall quality. Please see images of the certificates below.

Certainly this wakizashi would make a pleasing addition for the collector who cherishes unique works of art with a story.

This sword has been sold to a private collector.

Photos with detailed descriptions are below
(scroll the entire page to discover this unique piece of Japanese history)

*Photos by Eric Bossick for Unique Japan

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To request further information and details on securing ownership for this Morokage wakizashi simply contact Unique Japan here.

For steps toward ownership including all payment options, visit 5 Easy Steps to Owning an Authentic Japanese Samurai Sword.

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Popular Pages of Interest

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→ NTHK-NPO Certification Paper Ranking for Japanese Swords