SUKEMITSU (Wakizashi) – Authentic Japanese Sword

Overview

This sword is signed by the mid-Muromachi Era swordsmith Bizen Osafune Sukemitsu.
While the sword is slightly shorter than usual, it possesses a curvature called sakizori that is unique to this era.
The front of the sword is etched with a groove called a hi, but the exact reason for carving hi into swords is not known. There are several theories on why the hi exist including: the hi was carved to make the sword lighter, it served as a groove to let blood drain off the sword easily, or it was design feature to make the sword swing straighter in accordance with the principles of fluid dynamics.
The koshirae (mounting) is a standard Edo Era wakizashi-koshirae.
The tsuba (sword guard) is decorated with a figure of a crane, ornamentation (metal pieces hidden under the yarn pattern in the middle of the handle) and a figure of a tortoise. With the crane and the tortoise, which both represent longevity, and decorations fashioned with auspicious metals, this koshirae is truly a piece of work with much promise.
Katana such as this one with metalwork based on a certain motif were expensive even in the Edo Era, so it is thought that this sword belonged to a relatively high-ranking warrior.
This is a typical wakizashi from the mid-Muromachi Era with a koshirae mounting featuring auspicious crane and tortoise metalwork.
Even by themselves, these are superior quality pieces that anyone is sure to enjoy.
Sukemitsu:        Sukemitsu was a renowned swordsmith who lived in Bizen Province in what is now Okayama Prefecture one generation before Katsumitsu.
The Sukemitsu School continued for a few generations, and all of its swords are highly regarded. The workshop was one of the foremost of Bizen in the mid-Muromachi Era.
Era:                  Mid-Muromachi Era (late 16th century)
Length:             45.5cm
Curve:               1.4cm
Mekugi hole:     2
Accessory:       Shirasaya
Certification:     Hozon Token (a certification of rank issued by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords)

A Samurai Sword to Call Your Own

There are few things in this world that are as inspirational as an antique Japanese sword. With over a thousand years of history, the tradition of swordmaking in Japan is one of the most highly regarded metal crafts in the world. While many aspire to own a genuine Japanese katana, many perceived misconceptions and the difficulty in communicating in English on such an important decision, have made the acquisition process basically out of reach.
Unique Japan is changing all of that. Through our trusted partners in Japan, we are able to source a range of authentic top quality Japanese swords, such as the Sukemitsu wakizashi featured on this page, for much less than what you’d expect to pay at most retail sword shops, given our lower overheads. And we’ve made the process of registration and certification seamless and straightforward. Rest assured, a Japanese sword purchased from Unique Japan is a genuine investment for you, and generations after you, to enjoy.

Save 3.5% by Direct Money Transfer

Settlement of payment can be also be done by direct wire transfer to our bank account in Japan. This process saves us money in transaction fees, so we’ll take off 3.5% of the purchase price of the sword if you settle this way. Note that all overseas bank transfer fees must be paid by the sender.

Questions?

We know this is a big decision, so please feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have. If you are a member of the US Military, and would like to visit one of our special sword shows on a US Military Base in Japan, please refer to our events page for the latest information.