A KIYOHIRA SHISA LION WAKIZASHI
This sword will be available at the Okinawa Sword Show III
Overview (full text description follows photos)
Type: Wakizashi Zaimei (Signed)
Item No.: ujwa006
Swordsmith: Kashu Sumi Fujiwara Kiyohira
脇差 加州住藤原清平（初代） 「八幡山清平」 於江戸作之
脇差 加州住藤原清平（初代） 「八幡山清平」 於江戸作之
Period: Shinto (Early Edo Period)
Length: 57.3cm
Curvature: 0.6cm
Mekugi: 1
Hamon: Gunome midare
Habaki: Copper
Certification: NBTHK HOZON (A Sword Worthy of Conservation Certificate from the Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword)
Included: Full koshirae mountings, traditional shirasaya scabbard, Japanese brocade bag, sword maintenance kit, NBTHK Hozon certification paper, stand, kit and full exportation paperwork
This sword has been sold
CLICK ON ALL IMAGES for extreme closeups. Please be patient as the images load.
*All photos taken professionally by Jensen Walker
Description:
Kiyohira was born in 1621 in Kanazawa prefecture as the forth son of the very famous swordsmith, “Kaga Masamune.” He later moved to Edo, which is now in Tokyo in around 1660. He flourished in Kanagawa prefecture and became a very famous WAZAMONO – creator of quality sharp blades known as Hachiman’yama Kiyohira.
The signature on the nakago (tang) reads “Gashu sumi Fujiwara Kiyohira.” Gashu was another name for Iga Kuni, now modern-day Mie prefecture – the birth place of the skilled ninja warrior.
Look closely at the menuki (eyelets under the silk handle) and you’ll notice Shisa lions. These are traditional Ryukyuan decoration, often in pairs, resembling a cross between a lion and a dog, from Okinawan mythology.
Shisa are wards, believed to protect from some evils. The left shisa traditionally has a closed mouth, the right one an open mouth.
The matching white sageo (silk thread on the scabbard) and tsuka (hilt) gives the sword a very elegant touch.
The engraving on the flip-side back reads “Edo Tsukuri (Edo-style of craftsmanship).” The blade features a mix of masame hada (straight line steel) and itame hada (wood grain).
The nie (crystal particles) on this blade are absolutely sublime! A tell-tale sign that this is one sharp sword.
A lovely wavy gunome hamon (temper line) dominates this lovely piece. It is also come certified Hozon from the NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), thereby validatating the signature.
The sword’s curvature is typical late 17th century sword craftsmanship. This is sword that brings excitement each and every time one lays eyes on it. PK
Questions?
To request further information or secure ownership of this sword, please contact me, Pablo Kuntz.
For steps toward ownership including all payment options, visit 5 Easy Steps to Owning an Authentic Japanese Samurai Sword.
Upcoming Sword Shows
If you have the pleasure of living in Japan or visiting the country, we strongly recommend that you come to one of our upcoming sword shows.
At each show, we have dozens of beautiful Japanese swords to you to discover and secure for your immediate ownership.
If you cannot make it to a show, but you see something you would like to own from our website please contact me for purchase inquiries.
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.