Ordewring number: 24206
Wakizashi: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)
Signature: Mumei (attributed to Uda Kunifusa)
無銘(宇多国房)
Era: Late Koto Period, rated Ryowazamono, Chu-Jo Saku, Etchu Province. At our shop, we classify swords based on craftsmanship as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku. This particular piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku for a mumei sword attributed to Uda Kunifusa.
Habaki: Shakudo with gold color.
Blade Length: 55.4 cm (21.81 in)
Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.23 cm (0.88 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.35 cm (0.53 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.59 cm (0.23 in)
Sword Weight: 400 grams (0.88 lbs)
Era: Muromachi Period, around the Oei era (1394), approximately 650 years ago.
Shape: This piece has a slender shape with a deep curvature and slightly extended kissaki. The tang bears a ken carving, and overall, the sword exhibits a balanced form.
Jigane: The steel shows a fine, well-forged ko-itame grain with a slightly dark hue, exhibiting excellent quality.
Hamon: A suguha hamon created with nie, featuring soft ko-ashi extending along the blade. There are visible kinsuji activities near the kissaki, and the boshi has a slight midare pattern. Although parts of the nioiguchi are slightly loose, the workmanship is commendable, with prominent kinsuji.
Features: Uda Kunifusa is a swordsmith in the lineage of Norishige, known for incorporating the Soshu-den style. His work is characterized by a dark, blackish steel similar to that of Norishige.
Koshirae:
Tsuba: Mokko-shaped iron tsuba with intricate sukashi, decorated with gold and silver accents. The tip is carved with intricate designs and finished in gold, featuring a Nanban tsuba style.
Fuchikashira: Made of shibuichi, adorned with wave and shell designs in copper and gold. The kashira depicts an octopus head and tentacles in motion, with eyes inlaid with gold, a unique design.
Saya: Finely decorated with blue shell inlay.
Menuki: Unknown design, possibly shell and octopus legs.
Seppa (2 pieces): Made of copper with gold-covered edges.
Kozuka: Shakudo with an autumn grass and grasshopper motif in takabori, decorated with gold.
Aoi Art’s Comment: Uda Kunimitsu’s son, Kunikuni, and the famous swordsmith Norishige from Etchu Province were also disciples.
Price:650,000JPY