Wakizashi signed Yamashiro Daijo Minamoto KUNISHIGE with) Black Stone finish lacquered sheath Karakusa/Dragon motif Wakizashi Koshirae
A70916(W7230)
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Shinto Early Edo period (Keian era/circa A.D.1648) Bitsu
Length of cutting edge54.4cm Curvature1.2cm Width of base30.5mm Width of Yokote20.5mm Thickness of base6.6mm
with) Black Stone finish lacquered sheath Karakusa/Dragon motif Wakizashi Koshirae
Sugata(configuration) : Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune. Mihaba is wide and there is less difference in width between base and upper tip. The blade is massive and rich in hiraniku. There is a shallow curve leading to a large kissaki. (click HERE for higher resolution)
Kitae(forging pattern) : Kitae-hada is well-kneaded itame-hada (wooden grain) which is covered in sparkling thick and deep Ji-nie hard metal granules. The swelling thick nie lines so called Kinsen and Inazuma is vividly active over the surface.
Hamon(tempering pattern) : Hamon starts with quiet wavy NOTARE mixing in with small gunome, then a combination of large gunome midare. Deep Nioi-kuchi with bright Ko-nie attaches along the tempering line. Thick Nie-suji lines and brushing sunagashi frequently works in the interior of temper. The upper the blade, brighter and stronger nie, wider the temper that generates Yubashiri, Niju-ha and Tobiyaki. The entire Ji-Ha is impressively vivid and bright.
Boshi (tip): The temper of the tip is Midarekomi irregular lines, covered in deep nie and nioi with Sunagashi brushing activity, then medium circle turn back.
Nakago(tang) : Original (UBU). Filemark is Osujikai slanted left and Round heel, two mekugi-ana(retaining holes), The signature in hakiomite is seven large character that start with Juryomei title [Yamashiro Daijo] and honored imperial family name [Minamoto] then smith name [KUNISHIGE].
Mizuta KUNISHIGE lineage in Shinto period was founded famed smith TAMETSUGU who belonged to Ko-Aoe school. However the workmanship of Mizuta Kunishige had changed to a real Soshu-den whereas the traditional Aoe works are generally ko-mokume forging marks and nioi-based temper line. This magnificently heroic wakizashi was made by Otsuki Ichizo (later changed to Hachiro-zaemon) KUNISHIGE who was a younger brother of Oyogo KUNISHIGE. He had enjoyed Yamashiro Daijo title in the second year of Shouho (A.D.1645). Therefore this large wakizashi is understood it's age on after A.D.1645 during between Shouho and Keian era. He also had initiated Otsuki Katsubei KUNISHIGE (4th generation KUNISHIGE) into the mysteries of real Soshu art forging method and tempering technique. It is understood that he made his works in Bushu province as well.
Wide in Mihaba and the entire shape is stout, the length is as long as almost one shaku eight sun holding a firm base and there is funbari and point is broad. This is a heavy and heroic O-wakizashi, not easy to operate, showing a samurai spirit. This wakizashi has close resembles to a work of Go-Yoshihiro or Goro Nyudo Masamune. It is entirely and splendidly active with chikei thick nie lines swelling and boiling from the abyss of steel. The entire blade is strikingly healthy and is in an excellent condition. Among similar works this wakizashi is a delight. This large wakizashi of MizutaKunishige has been recently polished and set in an new Shira-Saya plain wood mounting.
The attached original Handachi style Edo period wakizashi koshirae complete set of mount comprising : Black stone finish lacquered sheath, Iron KARAKUSA motif Fuchi, Kashira, Seki and Kojiri metalwares kanamono in complete, Iron gold inlay dragon tsuba, Iron dragon kozuka and Shakudo Leo menuki ornament. All these wares are kept in an almost original condition except re-wrapping hilt cord.
Old copper double collar habaki, Shira-Saya Plain wood mounting included.
Weight: 4000.00 gms
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