Type: Wakizashi Mumei (Unsigned)

Item No.: ujwa014

Swordsmith: Unknown (Mumei)

Period: Late Edo (~1800)

Location: Kaga province (Ishikawa prefecture)

Length: 33.3cm

Mekugi: 1

Hamon: Suguha (straight temperline)

Habaki: Pure copper, original piece

Included: Chocolate-brown koshirae mounting, original kozuka (paperknife), original kogai (hair/ear grooming tool), original carry bag, sword maintenance kit, sword stand

What a great find from the Late-Edo period!

The shape of this blade is classic hirazukuri, with a suguha hamon (straight temperline). The blade’s dark itame-hada body features healthy swirls of a woody appearance. However, it’s the numerous accessories of this beautiful sword that make it such a delight.

In the saya (scabbard) exists a kozuka, a handy sharp paperknife that the Samurai owner would have used on a regular basis. On the flip-side of the saya is a kogai, which was a used by the Samurai for arranging his hair (much like the Sumo wrestler does). On the opposite side of the kogai is a protruding tear-drop piece that was used to clean out ear wax. Both matching pieces are in excellent condition. Look closely at the figure placed on the kogai and kozuka, they are people planting rice in the fields of a mountainous landscape.

Of course, there is no mistaking the presence of gold tigers on this sword. The piercing eyes of the tiger on the kashira (the underside of the hilt) and fuchi (collar) are thrilling.   Moreover, the ito (silk threading) on the hilt is tight and comfortable to hold.  And let’s not forget the elegant floral menuki that reside below the ito.  

This is a great little sword with lots of wonderful extras to be enjoyed. If someone in the family is born during the Year of the Tiger (2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926, 1914), this sword will bring luck and good fortune. Japanese souvenirs don’t get much better than this.

A 4% discount is offered for payments made directly to Unique Japan by direct bank transfer or in cash (dollars or yen).   An attractive layaway plan is also available as listed below. Contact us to purchase this sword.

Unique Japan is proud to offer a convenient layaway plan for our valued customers.   If you are interested in purchasing this sword on layaway, simply contact us here for more information. The general terms of our layaway plan are outlined here.

If you are an American citizen living on Okinawa, we encourage layaway plans to use the services of G.I. Bill Pay, whom we have an account with.   They can create a cost-effective payment plan that works best for you.

If you are interested in this sword and others from our collection, please contact us to book an appointment.   Private meetings are generally arranged within the Tokyo area.

Unique Japan is able to ship 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.  Dealers welcome.