T165862(W6959)

Wakizashi signed Bungo-no-kami Minamoto MASAYASU

Shinto Early Edo period (Kanbun era / circa 1661 -) Owari
Length of cutting edge 54.1cm Curvature 1.2cm Width of base 30.5mm Width of Yokote 22.3mm Thickness of Shinogi 7.4mm Thickness of base 6.5mm

NBTHK(Tokubetsu Kicho) certificate

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Blade construction: This is a harmonious wakizashi of Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune, Mihaba width is rather on wider side and Kasane is thick and Shinogi-ridge is taller than back ridge holding massive volume of Hiraniku, solidly heavy on hand. There is harmonious ratio of curvature and less degree of tapering from base to point where upper Fukura area is swelling to a medium tip. There is a pair of round-end Bo-hi groove on both side. (click HERE for super sized image of entire blade)
Forging(Hada): Kitae is fine Ko-mokume. The entire skin of Hiraji shows sparkling martensite crystals of Ji-nie to generate precise darkish gleaming lines of Chikei activity.
Temper(Hamon): Hamon of visible hardening pattern is picturesque tall waistline slanting tassel-shaped Choji-midare and some indication of splashed Tobiyaki . Hamon is a bit tight Nioi based and ravine of boundary line is covered with a bit on stronger side sparkling martensite crystal of Nie and the interior is filled in with mist-like Nioi. The entire hamon is flamboyantly active with sparkling Nie and misty Nioi.
Temper of tip(Boshi): Hamon of Boshi becomes calm straight of wavy Suguha then medium circle turns back a bit on longer side.
Tang(Nakago): UBU in original. One mekugi-ana retaining hole. Takanoha V-shape filemarks. Round shape bottom heel of Kurijiri. Back ridge has contoured round with greatly slanting left of Osujikai filemark. The inscription signature on Hakiomote starts with an official title of Bungo-no-kami 豊後守, name of clan Minamoto 源 and the name of smith MASAYASU 正全.

The smith MASAYASU 正全 in Owari (now in Nagoya) was active during Kanbun to Enpo era (1661-) . He was descended from MASATOSHI 正利 of Sakakura-Seki school from Koto Muromachi period. After apprentice himself to the Mishiha school of an experienced master Igano-kami KINMICHI 伊賀守金道, he set up his own studio at Teppomachi town, Nagoya.
This wakizashi features exceedingly deep in Hamachi at the starting point of cutting edge on base that holds massive volume of Hiraniku, impressively healthy blade among similar works from 17th C. Tango of Nakago remains very good taste of patina from 350 years history that states clear V-shape filemarks and vibrant chiseled inscription is full of energy.
Gold foiled double layer Habaki collar, preserved in Shirasaya Sayagaki written by Dr. Kanzan.
Good old polish/Condition scale: mint - excellent (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor)
reference data : Iwata Ato, Owari-To-ko-fu, 1984