Type: O-Wakizashi (Long Wakizashi), Zaimei (Signed on blade)

Item No.: ujwa018

Swordsmith: Noushu ju Fujiwara Kaneyuki (Signed on blade)

Period: Kanbun Era, Shinto Period (1661~1673)

Location: Mino province (modern-day Gifu prefecture)

Length: 60.1cm

Curvature: 1.6cm

Mekugi: 1

Hamon: Gunome with traces of “Sanbonsugi” (three trees)

Habaki: Silver wrapped on copper base

Certification: NBTHK HOZON (A Sword Worthy of Conservation Certificate from the Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword)

Included: Signed tsuba with a dragonfly and a silver Okinawa Shisa lion, extremely detailed artwork on fuchi, kashira, kurigata, silk carry bag, sword maintenance kit, NBTHK Hozon certification paper, sword stand

Here is a delightful signed O-Wakizashi by Noshu ju Fujiwara Kaneyuki sword from the Early-Edo Period (1661-1673) that we are very pleased to offer.

The term O-Wakizashi means “long wakizashi’ because the blade is 60.1cm. This is technically only 5mm shy of a katana, whose official length begins at 60.6cm or 2-shaku.  This is a very imposing and sharp blade.

This sword is blessed with a lovely sori (curvature) and a sanbonsugi hamon (temper line). Sanbonsugi means “three trees or peaks” and is a hamon first made famous by swordsmith Kanemoto from same region, Mino province. Notice the distinctive triple bunches of cloudy peaks that run along the blade.

The first generation of Kaneyuki can be found in the Kanbun era (1661-1673). Since then, Fujiwara Kaneyuki family flourished in Noshu Seki which is now modern-day Seki in Gifu prefecture in Japan. It is interesting to note that name “Fujiwara Kaneyuki” is the same name as a famous poet singer and minister from the Kamakura period. He was born in 1254 and then became a revered Buddhist monk in 1304.

The detail of the tsuba (guard) is a real joy to appreciate. Notice the single gold dragonfly (tombo). The dragonfly was revered by the Samurai because when they fly – they fly forward – and never retreat.

Another special addition to the guard is the elegant silver Okinawan Shisa lion. The Shisa lion’s mouth is open, signifying the breathing in of luck and good fortune. Shisa lions are prevalent in Okinawa – an important cultural symbol on the island. Also you can see koi (carp) swimming in the tsuba. Koi are symbolic objects of long life in Japan.

The tsuba was made by artist is Kunihiro, as the piece is signed (the gold square carved signature on the flip side) – which itself is rare and valuable. Kunihiro had a tremendous reputation for excellence in Bushu, which is now in Saitama prefecture.

Kunihiro’s tsuba was loved by Samurai and prominent merchants alike for they held artistic merit as well as being strong, bringing just the right balance to swords.

The saya (scabbard) has lovely floral detail, which are of sakura (cherry blossom) and plum flower petals. The sakura is, of course, the emblem of Japan. The menuki (ornaments under the silk wrap resting on the ray skin hilt) contains wonderful gold and silver crafted works. Even the habaki has wonderful character with copper wrapped with silver in a clever design.

This sword is certified HOZON by the NBTHK in Japan as a conservation sword. The NBTHK yellow certificate has been attached as the top image in this page. The white card (final image on the page) is the swords registration certificate (torokusho) from the local prefecture. This all gives the purchaser confidence that the sword’s signature is genuine and a worthy investment that we highly recommend.

Who wants to be her owner?

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.