Ordering number: AS24727

Wakizashi: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Izumi no Kami Kunisada
(Kikumon) Kanbun 4　Nen 8 Gatsu Hi (August 1664)
和泉守国貞
(菊紋)寬文四年八月日

Era: Shinto: Grade: Saijyo Saku: Settsu
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.)
This piece is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Izumi no Kami Kunisada.
Habaki: Gold Foil Single Layer
Blade Length: 45.3 cm (17.83 in)
Curvature: 1.0 cm (0.39 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.25 cm (1.28 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.31 cm (0.91 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.66 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight: 495 g (1.09 lbs)
Era: Early Edo Period, around Kanbun era
Shape: A blade with a wide width, thick construction, and a longer tip. It has an excellent shape and balance.
Jigane: Ko-itame hada, well-forged with the beautiful characteristic Osaka Jigane.
Hamon: Starting with a straight hamon near the hamachi, transitioning into gunome-midare mixed
with choji, and deeply tempered nioiguchi. The boshi turns back in the Sansaku style.

Features:
The second son of the first-generation Kunisada created this work as a substitute for his father in his later years due to the latter’s advanced age.
In 1661 (Manji 4), he was granted the chrysanthemum crest after dedicating a sword to the imperial court.
Initially signing as Izumi no Kami Kunisada, he changed his signature to Shinkai in August 1672 (Kanbun 12).
He passed away on November 9, 1682 (Tenwa 2).
This work bears the chrysanthemum crest and is dated August 1664 (Kanbun 4).

Koshirae (Mountings):
Tsuba: Mokko-shaped iron tsuba carved with a tree motif, inlaid with gold decorations of flowers.
Signature: Shoami Masanori.
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanako-ji (fish roe pattern) ground with chrysanthemum designs engraved in high relief and gold inlay.
Saya: Black lacquered finish.
Kozuka: Iron base engraved with flowers and butterflies in high relief with gold inlay.
Menuki: Shakudo base with bouquets engraved in high relief and gold inlay.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　After crafting swords for his father,
Izumi no Kami Kunisada began producing his original works in August 1664 (Kanbun 4), marked by the chrysanthemum crest.
His style evolved through a period of midareba (irregular patterns) to deeply nioiguchi straight hamon.
Both Sukehira and Shinkai demonstrated excellent jigane that exemplifies the hallmark features of Osaka Shinto.
This wakizashi, with a wide blade, slight curvature, and an elongated kissaki, is a sturdy and impressive piece.
The koshirae is of decent quality and complements the blade well, making it highly recommended.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata

Auction Starting Price:1,850,000JPY

Related Items:

Wakizashi:Izumi Kami Fujiwara Kunisada (first generation) Wakizashi: Inoue Izuminokami Kunisada Kikumon (August 1665)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) Dai Sho : Motohira(Dai Sho:NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)(Daisho Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu) Wakizashi: Mutsu no Kami Kaneyasu(Right Mutsu)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token) Wakizashi:Hizen Kuni Mutsu no Kami Tadakatsu.(Tokubetsu Hozon Token) Daisho:Tame Minobe Akihide Shi Chikushu Sanno Ju Sotsutomu Saku Showa 60 Nen 8 Gatsu Kichijitsu (August 1985)(NBTHK Hozon Token)