T2187(W6936) Wakizashi signed Sagami-no-kami Fujiwara KUNITSUNA
Izumi-no-kami Fujiwara KUNIHIRO Echizen-ju
NBTHK(Tokubetsu Hozon)
Shinto Early Edo period (Keian era circa 1648-) Echizen
Length of cutting edge 60.2cm Curvature 0.9cm Width of base 32.0mm Whidth of Yokote 20.9mm Thickness of base 6.9mm
Blade construction : Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune. Extra long Wakizashi. Wide in Minaha, thick in Kasane, holding bravely shallow curvature in Sori with scarce degree of tapering from base to tip that ends in an elongated Chu-kissaki. Entire blade is massively heavy on hand in a highly harmonious manner for swordmanship (click HERE for higher resolution image)
Forging(Hada) : Jigane steel is Mokume-hada appears on Hiraji and outstanding Masame indication on Shinogi-ji surface. Sparkling martensite crystals Ji-nie appears against Mokume to generate thick gleaming lines of Jet-black luster Chikei appearance over the Hiraji surface in light.
Temper(Hamon) : Hamon is uniform sparkling rather on stronger side martensite crystals of Nie based, starts with short undulating slope Yakidashi on base then Gunome, Tassel-shape Choji-ha and Togari. Upper the blade, quenching Hamon splits over Hiraji-surface to generate isolating Tobiyaki. The interior of temper is filled with misty Nioi where abundant activities of Gunome-ashi is perceived.
Temper of tip(Boshi): Boshi form large Gunomes below Yokote, irregular Midarekomi, medium circle turns back deeply to connect upper Muneyaki temper along back ridge.
Tang(Nakago) : UBU in original. The bottom heel is double bevelled Kurijiri in full. Yasurime is slanting left Katte-sagari. Back ridge of Nakago is flat with Katte-sagari also. Two peg holes of Mekugi-ana. The signature inscription in front is located on Shinogi-ji side, starts with the an official district title Sagami-no-kami 相模守, a name of clan Fujiwara 藤原 and the name of smith KUNITSUNA 国綱 and the other side is inscribed with the place of work Echizen-ju 越前住 also collaboration worker's name Izumi-no-kami Fujiwara KUNIHIRO 和泉守藤原国廣.

Here is the joint work of KUNITSUNA 国綱 and his pupil of KUNIHIRO 国廣 in Echizen domain (now Fukui pref.) during Keian era (1648-).
KUNITSUNA 国綱, real name Shimosaka Tabeinojo 下坂多兵衛尉, came up to Echizen from Shimosaka-town, Oumi domain (now Shiga pref.) to become a pupil of smith KANETANE 兼種. He enjoyed a reputation as a glory of "Wazamono" sharp cutting performance and cherished by highly martial Echizen Samurais.
This extra long blade is strongly built to meet with the precepts of the brave Samurais who adpoted the north line of defensive position maintaining peace and security under Tokugawa-shoguns
The subject wakizashi is traced back to Keian era (1648-) after the Winter/Summer Siege of Osaka castle in 1614-15. The shape is created in solidly durable construction which was ordered by courageous Samurai worrier under state of war. However in detailed view on Jigane, this wakizashi is forged using the finest steel performing extra-brilliant quenching Hamon.
The collaboration inscription work with his pupil KUNIHIRO 国廣 is quite rare to add historical value.

Brass single layer original Habaki collar(some dents appears), preserved in anew Shira-saya plain wood mount
Recent good polish/Condition scale: mint - excellent (using a scale of mint-excellent-verygood-good-fair-poor)

reference data : Honma Kunzan/Ishii Masakuni, Nihonto meikan, Yuzankaku,1975
 
Wakizashi signed Sagami-no-kami Fujiwara KUNITSUNA Izumi-no-kami Fujiwara KUNIHIRO Echizen-ju
Wakizashi signed Sagami-no-kami Fujiwara KUNITSUNA Izumi-no-kami Fujiwara KUNIHIRO Echizen-ju
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