A SIGNED YAMASHIRO NO KAMI KINMICHI WAKIZASHI
This sword has been sold.
Overview (full text description follows photos)
Type: Wakizashi (Signed)
Item No.: ujwa047
Swordsmith: Yamashiro no Kami Kinmichi (5th generation)
Mei characters (omote): (菊紋) 伊賀守藤原金道 = (Chrysanthemum) Iga (no) Kami Fujiwara Kinmichi
Mei characters (ura): 雷除 日本鍜冶惣匠 = Raijo Nihon Kaji Sosho (Master of Japanese swordsmiths)
Period: Mid Edo Period (~1763)
Location: Yamashiro (Kyoto)
Length: 39.9cm
Curvature: 0.4cm
Hamon: Gunome (wavy temper line)
Koshirae: All original Edo-period matching koshirae featuring dragons for the fuchi-kashira (collar/pommel)
Habaki: 2-part niju (silver gold inlay)
Certification (sword): NBTHK Kicho (A sword designated as Precious by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords)
Certification (koshirae): NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho (A koshirae designated as Especially Precious by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords)
Included: Certificates, Edo-period koshirae (mountings), traditional katana carry bag, sword maintenance kit, illustrated maintenance guide, sword stand, full exportation support to send sword to home country
Price (in cash or direct bank transfer): SOLD
Photos (click for larger view)
*All photos taken professionally by Eric Bossick for Unique Japan
Description:
This is a stunning wakizashi in its original condition since the 18th century from one of the great sword making traditions of Japan’s Edo Period; the Kinmichi family.
Ieyasu Tokugawa admired the swords Kinmichi crafted even before he became Shogun in 1603.
During the battle of Sekigahara against Hideyoshi Toyotomi to take a control of Japan, Tokugawa’s warriors depended upon a large number of Kinmichi swords.
Once Ieyasu Tokugawa became Shogun, he asked Kinmichi to make all his swords and those of his employees.
Since Kinmichi was not able to meet such demand, he asked other swordsmiths to make swords for him.
In exchange for their services, Kinmichi granted honorable titles such as Yamashiro no Kami, Musashi no Kami, etc.
As craftsmen were not able to have last names in the Samurai era, they were pleased to receive such titles and help Kinmichi.
Kinmichi then became master of the entire swordsmith population in Japan.
Future generations of Kinmichi were also given the privilege of granting titles, such as this piece forged by the family’s 5th generation.
The chrysanthemum symbol on this sword is the honorary symbol of approval by the Imperial court in Kyoto. This is a very rare honor.
Engraving on the nakago (tang) reads:
Iga (no) Kami Fujiwara Kinmichi 伊賀守藤原金道 (swordsmith’s name and title)
Iga (no) Kami Fujiwara Kinmichi 伊賀守藤原金道 (swordsmith’s name and title)
(Chrysanthemum) Raijo Nihon Kaji Sosho (菊紋) (雷除 日本鍜冶惣匠) Master of Japanese swordsmiths
This is a rare and wonderful wakizashi that has found a wonderful home. PK
Questions?
To request further information on securing ownership of a sword from Unique Japan, please contact me, Pablo Kuntz.
For steps toward sword ownership including all payment options, visit 5 Steps to Owning an Authentic Japanese Samurai Sword.
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Legal Exportation from Japan
Unique Japan has safely sent dozens of 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.