Original 18th Century Edo Period Japanese Handmade Ō-Wakizashi Short Sword by KANEYOSHI with Lacquered Wood Scabbard and Kogatana Knife

Original Item: Only One Available. Wakizashi (脇差 "side inserted / companion sword") is a general term for a sword with an edge between one and two shaku long (30 cm and 60 cm), predominantly made after 1600. Generally it is the short blade that accompanies a katana in the traditional samurai daisho pairing of swords, but may be worn by classes other than the samurai as a single blade, also worn edge up as the katana. Here we have a lovely example, which we believe was refit during the Late Edo period, or at least had the fittings repaired and the handle possibly re-wrapped during the early 20th century. This example dates from the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo. As the blade length is close to that of a Katana, and the blade is the "Shinogi-Zukuri" shape, some would term this an "Ō-Wakizashi". This example has probably been remounted several times, as was common for Japanese blades that are several hundred years old, with the last time probably occurring in the later 19th Century. It was then probably brought back to the US during the WWII era. Age and wear have completely removed the YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang, and given it a lovely oxidized patina. The tagane-makura (raised area around the mei) is no longer present, and the tagane (chisel marks) are very faint, however the MEI signature is still relatively easy to read. As best we can tell it reads 但 州 出 石 住 兼 吉 作 - TANSHŪ IZUSHI JU KANEYOSHI SAKU, which roughly translates to "Made by Kaneyoshi in the Izushi domain of Tajima Province." Along with the neighboring Tango and Tanba provinces to the each, they were known together as Tanshuu. Izushi was a Tokogawa era castle domain, which was ruled by several different clans during the Edo Period. We have not been able to find much information about Kaneyoshi, but condition of the blade tang definitely indicates it is probably from the 18th century. Definitely a good opportunity for further research! The blade has the following period correct features, indicating it is made from folded steel made from TAMAGAHANE smelted iron: - Folded steel blade (fold lines are evident on the spine and body of the blade) - Hole (mekugi-ana) in the tang is punched and not drilled. - Blade is signed by the maker (Mei) - Visible temper line ("hamon") running full length of blade cutting edge. - Blade has a proper geometric kissaki (tip). - Blade wounds (kizu) or lamination artifacts are present on the blade. Ware (lamination lines) are visible in several areas. Offered in very good condition, the blade is still EXTREMELY SHARP, so it should be handled with care. The polish is in very good condition, showing just a bit of scuffing wear and a some spots of oxidation staining, as well as some loss of clarity due to cleaning. The edge is virtually dent free, and the blade aspects are all still relatively easy to see in most kinds of light. Definitely a lovely condition blade here! It does not look to have seen any significant use since the last polish, just cleaning, though there are areas of light oxidation. The blade length is approximately 20 ⅝" and overall length 30 ⅜". It has a FUTSU 普通 (regular) NAKAGO with an IRIYAMAGATA (asymmetrical pointed) nakago-jiri (tang tip). The blade shape is SHINOGI-ZUKURI (鎬造), meaning the blade has a “SHINOGI” or blade ridge. This is the "standard" shape for most Katana and longer wakizashi. Many would term this an "Ō-Wakizashi" as the length is relatively close to a Katana. The main edge HAMON (刃文 - wave or temper line) is fully visible, and is a very attractive SUGUHA (直刃 - straight) shape, with some very nice internal activity. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon. It also has some slight undulation along the edge, typical for hand forged blades. The body of the blade (JI) also shows hada (肌 - grain), which is the MASAME (柾目 - Straight) pattern. The blade has a proper geometric KISSAKI (切先 - point of blade) with a clear YOKOTE (横手 - line between ji and kissaki). The BOSHI ( 帽子 - tip temper line) is present, but unfortunately not distinct at the top, so we cannot see what type of shape it has. There are also some KIZU blade wounds visible, both WARE lamination lines and FUKURE carbon pits, only possible on true handmade blades. This is really a great looking blade! The tsuba (cross guard) is made of iron and is of the MARU GATA (round) shape, with some beautiful embossed cloud and wave designs, possibly with a dragon on the rear. We can also see traces of gold highlighting, which is now mostly gone. It has TWO HITSU-ANA accessory slots, one for a KOGAI hair ornament, and the other for a the KOZUKA handle of a KOGATANA knife, the latter of which is included. This allows the knife to be taken out without unsheathing the sword. There are two metal seppa to help keep the tsuba from wobbling, however there were probably more originally, as it does wobble at present. The sword has a two piece copper blade collar (HABAKI), typical of the Edo period. The fuchi (collar) for the tsuka (handle) is made from blacked copper, and has a lovely gold highlighted scene on the sides, which looks to show a village with some plants protruding above. The kashira (end cap) is matching, made from black copper with similar scenes, though it is dented in a bit. There are two menuki grip ornaments, which look to be some type of dog or wolf. The stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip is in great shape, showing no cracking or other damage, and the golden brown grip wrapping (Ito) shows only light wear and staining from use. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present which looks to be a replacement. The KOGATANA knife is very nice, and has a blacked copper KOZUKA handle embossed with three horses, and some gilt grass. The blade is definitely modern, probably replacing a very rusted original blade, but it is the correct shape and in very good condition. The sword comes well-fitting wooden scabbard (SAYA), which is finished with textured black urushi lacquer. The scabbard is relatively unadorned, though it does have a lovely iron SAYAJIRI end fitting, which has an embossed dragonfly on one side, and a spider on its web on the other. There is a slot for the included KOGATANA knife, and there is a KURIKATA knob on the opposite side for the attachment of a sword cord. The scabbard shows moderate us, with most of the issues stemming from age. The side seams have separated, causing the lacquer to flake, but were repaired. There are also repairs to the kogatana knob slot, which probably split when something hit the knife handle. A great early Edo Period wakizashi by a known smith with a nice set of period fittings and a recent production kogatana knife! Ready to research and display! Specifications (Wakizashi):- Blade Length: 20 ⅝" Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造) Overall length: 30 ⅜“ Scabbard Length: 22" Specifications (Kogatana):- Blade length: 4 ⅝" Overall length: 8 ⅜" It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII. Each hand-made Japanese blade (日本刀 - Nihonto) is unique because it is forged from multiple pieces of folded steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room. The traditional Japanese blade and mountings have grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.