Type: Shobu-zukuri wakizashi Signature: unsigned Nagasa: 30.6cm motohaba:2.9cm sakihaba: 2.3cm motokasane:4.8mm Hamon: Suguha with slight ko-midare Polish: Old but good
This wakizashi is forged in shobu-zukuri form, wherein the blade tapers with no visible yokote. The sugata is well-proportioned and retains a balanced, active presence. The jihada appears to be a tight ko-itame with some masame tendency toward the ha. A straight suguha hamon runs consistently along the edge with mild undulation, ko-midare, in nioi-deki. The hamon shows soft activity in areas. The boshi appears ko-maru with short kaeri, intact and healthy. The overall condition of the blade is great, with the polish being old but well done with details still visible. The tang (nakago) is unsigned, exhibiting a natural dark patina consistent with Edo-period blades. The file marks are katte-sagari with a kurijiri with slight ha agari character. The unusual shape of this blade was popular during the Muromachi period (1392-1572).
The koshirae is mounted in a restrained black aesthetic. The fuchi-kashira are totally unadorned brass, lacquered black. The menuki appear cast in a silver metal, depicting perhaps seashells. The tsuka is wrapped in black cotton ito in hineri-maki style over paneled samegawa. The wrapping itself has become deeply misshapen over time and looks worn. The tsuba is a plain iron maru-gata with minimal surface design, showing even russet patina and several small contact marks. The habaki is cast in a silver metal, with a sunburst pattern and a bronze colored lacquer on the surface. The saya is finished in black gloss lacquer (ro-iro) with some wear, including small chipping and surface scratches throughout, but still sturdy and sound. The sageo is a deep purple cotton example, wide and heavy.
Registration paperwork is NOT INCLUDED; it is returned to the Japanese govt upon export out of Japan. Pictures included to certify authenticity and ethical sourcing.
