Description
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
Comes with kimono or cotton bag. Comes with certificate of supein Nihonto. Comes with original prefecture certificate Torokucho. Comes with NBTHK Hozon certificate.
Torokusho Translation:
Blade type: Wakizashi
Blade length: 54.6 cm
Registration Number: Ishikawa No. 17305
Date of Registration: May 22, 1972 (Shōwa 47)
Signed by: Kawachi no Kami Minamoto Kunitsugu
Mekugi-ana: 1
Remarks: None
Issued by: Ishikawa Prefectural Board of Education
Description:
Koshirae (mounting):
Fuchi-Kashira: The set is decorated in shakudō with intricate floral motifs inlaid with gold and silver highlights (possibly zōgan technique). The kashira displays a nature-inspired scene with flowers, indicative of Edo-period craftsmanship.
Tsuba: Iron forged in kurumagata (wheel-shape) style with 8 spokes. Naturally aged patina, showing signs of actual historical use or age. A functional yet elegant guard.
Tsuka (handle): Black ito in classic diamond tsukamaki style over samegawa (ray skin). Menuki partially visible, likely natural or symbolic themes in gilt metal. Good preservation.
Saya (scabbard): Finished in glossy black urushi lacquer with multicolor raden (mother-of-pearl) inlays. This type of finish suggests ceremonial or high-end decorative usage. No kogatana or auxiliary implements visible.
Blade (tōshin):
Type: Wakizashi
Hamon: Suguha — a straight temper line with slight undulations that hint at subdued chōji shapes. This is consistent with Edo forging styles.
Hada (steel grain): Clearly visible mokume-hada (wood grain) with transition to itame. The polish reveals a refined steel texture.
Kissaki: Small ko-kissaki with defined yokote and boshi in komaru form.
Horimono: None present.
Condition: Excellent, no rust or major flaws. The blade exhibits both functionality and elegance, suited for both collectors and practitioners.
This wakizashi, signed by Kawachi no Kami Minamoto Kunitsugu, stands as a refined example of mid-to-late Edo period craftsmanship — a time when Japanese swordsmithing combined aesthetic beauty with battle-ready function. Measuring 54.6 cm in length, the blade displays a beautifully rendered mokume-hada grain, reminiscent of wood rings, interlaced with patches of itame texture. The temper line (hamon) flows in a calm suguha style, with faint hints of chōji, demonstrating the subtle control that characterizes mature work from this school.
The sword’s koshirae (mounting) is equally compelling. Its saya is finished in lustrous black urushi lacquer and inlaid with raden — iridescent mother-of-pearl flakes that shimmer with prismatic light. Often reserved for ceremonial or formal presentation swords, this kind of decoration greatly enhances the piece’s visual appeal. The tsuka is wrapped in black cord over ray skin (samegawa), adorned with refined menuki, and concludes in a fuchi-kashira set made of shakudō, detailed with golden floral motifs in relief — a testament to the Edo period’s artistic elegance. The tsuba, a wheel-shaped forged iron guard, provides practical simplicity with aged character.
The swordsmith, Minamoto Kunitsugu, worked in either the Settsu or Echizen provinces and belonged to a lineage recognized for consistent and reliable output during the Edo period. His signature engraved on the tang (nakago) affirms both the authenticity of the blade and its place within this respected tradition. This piece combines the understated sophistication of its blade with the visual opulence of its mounting, making it ideal for discerning collectors or elegant display.
Includes the original Japanese registration certificate, confirming authenticity and increasing its value as a collectible and historical artifact.
Blade is in good condition due to aging just superficial scratchings as normal. Not hagire and not fatal damage, of course. This is a japanese weapon so have a real historical value. This is a weapon with centuries, not machine crafted so can be minor movements of saya, tsuka, tsuba, etc. Because of dilatation, humidity, etc. and little damages propers of his age like small rust, scratches, etc.
