Original Excellent 16th Century Japanese Handmade Ō-Wakizashi Short Sword by MASAZANE in Edo Period Fittings with Kogatana Knife Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Wakizashi (脇差 “side inserted / companion sword”) is a general term for a sword with an edge between one and two shaku long (30 cm and 60 cm), predominantly made after 1600. Generally it is the short blade that accompanies a katana in the traditional samurai daisho pairing of swords, but may be worn by classes other than the samurai as a single blade, also worn edge up as the katana. Here we have a wonderful example in great polish, with a very nice lacquered scabbard and even a kogatana knife. The fittings match well, and we would definitely consider this to be offered “en suite”, with everything you need for a great display piece.

We had this sword examined, and we believe this example dates from the Muromachi period (室町時代 Muromachi jidai) of 1336 to 1573, during the later circa 1550. This is part of the period of Japanese swordmaking known as Kotō (古刀”old swords”), the the type of swords that later smiths treated as the goal they needed to achieve. The fittings are definitely of later manufacture, but are still well over a century old, being made during the Edo period of 1603 to 1868. Most likely this sword was brought back just after WWII, as many swords were turned in as required by the Allied forces.

This example has probably been remounted several times, as was common for Japanese blades that are several hundred years old. We can see that the edge length has been shortened by at least an inch or so by moving the blade notch (Ha-machi) farther up the blade. Age and wear have made the file marks (yasurimi) on the tang faint, and given it a lovely patina. This has also removed the tagane-makura (raised area around the mei) and made the tagane (chisel marks) a bit faint, however the signature is still relatively easy to read, though due to wear it is very close to the edge of the tang.

As best we can tell it reads 金房隼人承 正眞作 – KANABŌ HAYATORYŌ MASAZANE SAKU. They are a known smith listed online here: MASAZANE. Their signature is made of honorifics and indications of their swordsmith lineage, however unfortunately not much is known about them. They were active during the Tenbun (天文) period, also known as Tenmon, which lasted 1532-1555, and worked in Yamato province. They are rated by Toko Taikan at ¥3M and by Fujishiro as “Jo Saku” or “Good Work”. Definitely a good opportunity for further research!

The blade has the following period correct features:

– Folded steel blade (fold lines are evident on the spine and body of the blade)
– Hole (mekugi-ana) in the tang is punched and not drilled
– Visible vibrant temper line (“hamon”) running full length of blade cutting edge.
– Hada or Grain is visible throughout the blade surface.
– Blade has a proper geometric kissaki (tip).
– Blade wounds (kizu) or lamination artifacts are present on the blade. Both ware (lamination lines) and fukure (carbon pits) are visible.

Offered in excellent condition, the polish on the blade of this example is in great shape, showing little to no use since the last time it was polished. The aspects of the blade and temper line are easily seen in any type of light. It is still quite sharp, with no edge issues we can see. The blade length is approximately 20 ¼” and overall length 27 ¾”. It has a futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with an Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). The blade shape is SHINOGI-ZUKURI, which is the “standard” shape for most Katana and longer wakizashi. Many would term this an “Ō-Wakizashi” as the length is relatively close to a Katana.

The blade has a proper kissaki (tip) with a clear yokote (division between body and tip) and boshi (tip temper line). The main edge Temper line (hamon) is fully visible, and is a very attractive SUGUHA (直刃 – straight) shape. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon, and some nice activity. This includes sanagushi and kinsuji both visible inside and just above the main temper line. The body of the blade (JI) also shows hada (肌 – grain), which is the ITAME (板目 – wood grain) pattern. The tip temper line (boshi) is of visible, and has a lot of internal activity, and looks to be the HAKIKAKE (brush stroke) type. With the long delay for traditional togishi polishing, blades like this that are ready to display are definitely in demand.

The tsuba (cross guard) is made of iron and is of the MARU GATA (round) shape, with sheet copper trim around the edge. It has a single Hitsu-ana (accessory hole) for the Kozuka (kogatana handle). This allows the kogatana to be taken out without unsheathing the sword. The surface has what look to be “wind” or maybe “vine” motifs embossed into both sides of the tsuba. There is a single brass seppa to help keep the tsuba from wobbling. The sword has a copper Habaki (blade collar), which is typical of very old blades.

The fuchi (collar) for the tsuka (handle) is made from copper, which has been blacked and then gilt with what look to be rabbit designs, which are flying over what look to be ocean waves underneath them. The kashira (end cap) is made from iron, and has a lovely aged and oxidized patina. There are two blacked brass menuki grip ornaments present, which look to be some type of animal carrying baskets. The stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip definitely shows wear, and the panels of skin have shrunk a bit over time. The black grip wrapping (Ito) looks to have been redone sometime during the 20th century, and is in excellent condition. At this time it also looks like some wooden shims were added to the end of the tsuka to make it fit better. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present which looks to be original, and was coated with red urushi for a tighter fit.

The sword comes well-fitting wooden scabbard (saya), which has a lovely gloss black urushi lacquer finish, showing some age and cracking due to use. It has a rounded end, and is fitted with a kurikata (knob) one one side for attachment of a sageo (sword cord), though there is no present. There is a slot on the other side where the kogatana knife is stored. There is cracking off the scabbard throat, and it matches the age of the handle well. The included kogatana is in very good condition, with a lovely copper / brass handle (kozuka), and the blade is still relatively sharp. It fits well into the slot on the scabbard.

A very nice late Muromachi Period wakizashi by a well-regarded known smith with a great full matched set of Edo period fittings! Ready to cherish and display!

Specifications (Wakizashi):
Blade Length: 20 ¼”
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri
Overall length: 27 ¾“
Scabbard Length: 24 ⅛”

Specifications (Kogatana):
Blade Length: 3 ⅜”
Overall Length: 7 ⅛”

It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.

Each hand-made Japanese blade (日本刀 – Nihonto) is unique because it is forged from multiple pieces of folded steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room.

The traditional Japanese blade and mountings have grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.