Overview
From the blade to the fittings, this is a highly collectible wakizashi.
Highly acclaimed Shodai Masatsune (this smith’s sensei) had a son who was to carry on his legacy of sword-making. However, his son died suddenly in 1609. Thus Masatsune nidai (second generation) became his adopted son and stood up to the challenge.
Masatsune Nidai (the smith who crafted this sword) eventually became so highly respected that he was granted the title of Mino no Kami (Lord of Mino province). “Kami”, meaning Lord is the highest distinction a smith can be granted.
Important to note, Masatsune Nidai is ranked as Jo-Saku (a superior swordsmith) in the prestigious Japanese sword reference book NIHON SHINTO JITEN by Fujishiro (a scan of the book is among the photos featured below).
The particular sword has a sublime naka-suguha hamon (straight temper line) akin to a laser beam. It’s jihada (surface skin) is a well-forged ko-itame.
The fittings are exquisite and symbolic to the powerful Daimyo families that ruled Japan. Depictions of the Japanese tsuru (crane) on the menuki (decorative grips), kiku-mon (the chrysanthemum imperial seal of Japan) on the kashira (pommel) are just some of the elements to be enjoyed. (see photos below)
A stunning feature to this sword are the shavings of mother-of-pearl & abalone shell that dance along the polished lacquer scabbard.
Furthermore, the sword carries the serial number of just #31. It is one of the very first swords ever to be registered in Japan in 1951. This sword was held by a family with tremendous significance as only Daimyo families were invited to register their swords in 1951, the first year of registration.
This wakizashi has two NTHK-NPO Kanteisho certificates (Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword) – one for the blade and one for the koshirae. Both attest to the authenticity of the signature and quality of the fittings.
This unique sword is NOW SOLD.
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
Interested in Ownership of an Antique Japanese Sword?
If owning an authentic Japanese Samurai sword is of interest to you and your family, we would be honoured to serve you.
To visitors in Japan…
If you have the pleasure of living in Japan or visiting the country, we recommend that you come to one of our upcoming sword shows or schedule a private VIP meeting with us.
VIP meetings are normally held near JR Ebisu station in Tokyo at a hired gallery space. We can also arrange visits to a company office, hotel, near the airport or at a private residence.
To visitors around the world…
To those exploring our collection online, be sure to download our catalogue of available swords here.
We completely respect the fact it takes a HUGE leap of personal FAITH in us to commit to a particular sword given the reliance on photos and descriptions for such a highly valued item.
It is our PROMISE to address all your questions to the best of our ability. It’s important to us that you feel completely confident that the sword you choose (and that chooses you) is destined for you and your family.
You can also take reassurance that ALL swords from Unique Japan are GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC and come with a 3-DAY WORRY FREE inspection period upon arrival to your home.
Legal Exportation from Japan
Yes, it is completely legal to own a genuine antique Japanese sword (even those that are several hundreds of years old). Unique Japan specialises in all proper legal compliances so that swords can be exported from Japan.
All required paperwork is provided free of charge for clients.
All required paperwork is provided free of charge for clients.
Unique Japan has safely sent well over 300 swords FROM Japan to immensely proud owners in the United States, Canada, Europe and around the world.
We look forward to making your dream of owning an authentic Japanese sword a reality for you.
Popular Pages of Interest
→ 7 Points to Consider when Choosing your Japanese Sword
→ 5 Steps to Owning an Authentic Japanese Samurai Sword
→ Download catalogue of currently available Japanese swords
→ PARTS of a Japanese Sword and Mountings (High-quality images)
→ 7 reasons WHY I love Japanese swords
→ Resource Information on Japanese Swords
→ NBTHK Certification Paper Ranking for Japanese Swords
→ NTHK-NPO Certification Paper Ranking for Japanese Swords
→ 5 Steps to Owning an Authentic Japanese Samurai Sword
→ Download catalogue of currently available Japanese swords
→ PARTS of a Japanese Sword and Mountings (High-quality images)
→ 7 reasons WHY I love Japanese swords
→ Resource Information on Japanese Swords
→ NBTHK Certification Paper Ranking for Japanese Swords
→ NTHK-NPO Certification Paper Ranking for Japanese Swords
