This is an exceptional o-wakizashi (long wakizashi) by one of the finest swordsmiths in Hizen province during the early Edo period, second generation Tadakuni.

The nakago proudly stamped with the kikumon (a chrysanthemum) the emblem of the imperial family – a testament to the quality of work Tadakuni produced. On the opposite side, it reads that the sword was made in part with namban-tetsu, imported steel from Europe, which is rare.

The blade is blessed with a perfectly straight suguha (straight) temper line in a komokume (tight burl grain body pattern) that is characteristic of swords made in the Hizen province. Many scholars suggest the reason for this distinctively clean body was for the fact the steel was a mixture of this imported steel. To this day, Hizen swords are much prized by collectors worldwide.

Fuchigashira is made out of shakudo in the form of a wild goose. Gold menuki work features an unusual collection of horse equipment; a whip and a kutsuwa (a bit) and an abumi (a stirrup).

Tsuba is a mixture of shinchu, gold, shakudo and copper from Nara-school featuring artwork of flying plover birds soaring overlarge waves and traditional Japanese pine trees. An antique saya (scabbard) is protected in black lacquer and polished.

*All photos taken professionally by Eric Bossick for Unique Japan

     

To request further information on particular swords that are available in our catalogue (or recently acquired but not listed online) simply contact Unique Japan here.

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

If you have the pleasure of living in Japan or visiting the country, we strongly recommend that you come to one of our upcoming sword shows or book a private VIP meeting with us.

VIP meetings are normally held near Ebisu station at a hired gallery space. We can also arrange visits to a company office, hotel, near the airport or at a private residence.

We have dozens of beautiful authentic Japanese antique swords for you to discover and secure immediate ownership of.

If you cannot make it to a show or in person, but you see something you would like to own from our website please contact Unique Japan for purchase inquiries.

Unique Japan has safely sent well over 100 swords from Japan to the United States and around 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.

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