AN ECHIZEN SUMI-E TSUGUHIRO O-WAKIZASHI
(This sword has been SOLD)
Overview (full text description follows photos)
Type: O-Wakizashi (Signed Long Wakizashi)
Item No.: ujwa038
Swordsmith: Omi no Kami Fujiwara no Tsuguhiro (近江守藤原継広)
Period: Early Edo Kanbun Period (1661-1673)
Location: Echizen (Fukui prefecture)
Length: 53.1cm
Curvature: 1.4cm
Hamon: Gunome Midare (random wave temper line)
Koshirae: Full koshirae mounting with shirasaya scabbard to better preserve the blade
Habaki: Expertly crafted silver inlay
Certification: NBTHK Hozon (A sword designated worthy of conserving by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords)
Included: Hozon certificate, koshirae (mountings), shirasaya scabbard, traditional katana carry bag, sword maintenance kit, illustrated maintenance guide, sword stand, full exportation support to send sword to home country
This sword has been sold.
Photos (click for larger view)
*All photos taken professionally by Eric Bossick for Unique Japan
Description:
Behold a gorgeous extra-long wakizashi crafted by Omi no Kami Fujiwara no Tsuguhiro a swordsmith from Echizen during the Kanbun Shinto Period, circa 1673-1681.
This blade is signed with the name of the swordsmith, and also the location of which it was made, Echizen on the opposite side of the tang.
The blades overall balance is sublime – notice how the base of the sword is thick and gradually tapers to the tip. This is classic Kanbun Shinto sword making in the latter parts of the 17th century.
It is also in nearly the same condition when first forged over 330 years ago.
A magnificent wavy gunome hamon (wavy temper line) dominates this sword. Equally attractive is the koshirae (mounting) that features an eye-catching red saya (scabbard).
The unique menuki (eyelets under the silk handle) are something I have personally never seen on any other sword before. They are depictions of the sumi-e artist’s (charcoal drawing calligraphy) brush and tray (suzuri bako).
The symbolism here is significant. Meditation or “Zen” was a way for the Samurai to maintain their inner peace. And so their regularly practiced calligraphy and poetry as a way of sharing their internal space and peace with others.
It was very common for Samurai warriors to practice Ikebana (flower arranging) and Sumi-e calligraphy before battle. This is a sword that represents everything that made the Samurai honorable.
An intricately designed kozuka (Samurai utility knife) with the Lucky God Hotei (The God of Contentment and Happiness) is a real charm point to this sword.
The red saya (scabbard) is also extremely significant in Japanese culture. The color red symbolizes strength, leadership and is reminiscent of the rising sun of Japan’s flag. It also traditionally represents good fortune, happiness, and luck.
Often the top Samurai warrior would wear red armor to show his authority.
A shirasaya scabbard are also included to better preserve the blade.
This sword has achieved a well-deserved NBTHK Hozon certification, a sword worthy of preservation by the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword.
As this is an Echizen-made sword, it will be my pleasure to include one of our Echizen-made 3-piece sets to the person who makes this fabulous sword their own pride and joy. Details below. PK
Questions?
To request further information on any sword in our collection, please email me, Pablo Kuntz.
For steps toward ownership including all payment options, visit 5 Easy 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.