Shinto Japanese Samurai Sword (Wakizashi) ) Attributed to Kuni-Shige (備中国水田住国重)

Swords

$2,750

Material

Antique Steel

Color

Silver

Origin

Japan

Age / Period

Pre-1800

Dimensions

Sword Length: 75cm, Blade Length (cutting Edge): 61cm, Moto Kasane : 0.8cm

Condition

Estate / Pre-owned

22" blade with a Yahasu-*midare hamon* . *Nakago* with three character of an eight character signature of the Swordsmith that I am attributing this blade to: Bitchu Koku Mizuta Jyu Kunishige( 備中国水田住国重 ), *Keep in mind that there were about 60 swordsmiths who signed as Kunishige from The Bitchu koku Mizuta school that flourished from 1530-1700 (The end of the Sengoku period to the mid-Edo period) * This attribution is also made because the characteristics of the blade coincide with those made during the Sengoku period by these 60 Kuni-shige swordsmiths: the Hamon: a Yahasu-Midare, and the kissaki, a Ko-gissaki. This blade Nakago has two*mekugi-ana*, and the three characters shown in photo #6 that spell備中国 , and that are the same as those in the eight character signature on the Nakago displayed right next to it on photo #11 that came from a blade made by Mizuta Jyu Kunishige. Attribution is made to KUNISHIGE ( 国重 ), Kanbun ( 寛文 , 1661-1673), Bitch ū -- " Bitch ū no Kuni Mizuta-j ū Kunishige " ( 備中国水田住 国重 ), real name Ō tsuki Zen ́emon ( 大月善右衛門 ), he is listed as student of Hachir ō zaemon Kunishige ( 八郎左衛門 国重 ). Although any of the 60 swordsmiths of The Bitchu koku Mizuta school could have made and signed this sword. The fact is that this sword was made during the Sendoku Period (17th century) by a swordsmith of the Bitchu Koku Mizuta school. There are two major groups in Kunishige swordsmiths during the Edo period. One is called Oyogo Kunishige school( 大与五国重派 ), lead by Master Otsuki （大月） and the other is called Kono school( 河野派 ) lead by Tameie( 為家 ). This blade has a three character Kanji inscription on one side, and they are likely to be Bonji( 梵字 : Sanscrit letters). The blade has a polish and it's in excellent condition with the exception of two small chips (non-fetal)near the Habaki. It comes in a red lacquered Koshirae that has on its side a Kozuka with a Lobster motif and an unsigned Kogatana. Swordsmith is listed as s259 from W.M. Hawley, page 151. Sword Length: 75cm Blade Length (cutting Edge): 61cm Moto Kasane : 0.8cm Kissaki : Ko-gissaki Hamon : Yahasu midare Kogatana: Unsigned Kozuka ： Lobster Motif Saya ： Red Lacquered Tsuba : Iron - Butterfly Motif Weight (blade only): 654 grams PHOTO #12 SHOWS A KATANA SWORD MADE BY Mizuta Jyu Kunishige ( 備中国水田) ON SALE AT THE SAMURAI MUSEUM IN JAPAN FOR $5,353.39 NOTE: I am selling this sword for about half to one-third of the price that you would pay for a similar sword in one of Japan's sword galleries. S&H INCLUDES SHIPPING COSTS, INSURANCE, and PACKING MATERIALS. We do not charge for handling and labor. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: SHIPPING COSTS VARY PER LOCATION. If you have any questions, please inquire *before* bidding/purchasing through Ebay messaging, ++SHIPPING DISCOUNT++ : We will combine shipping for multiple items. If all items can be shipped together in one package and delivered to one address, a one time shipping charge will apply (highest price prevails). *RETURNS: Accepted if the item is not as described, and is returned within seven days of receipt. Item must be returned in the same condition as described and shipped by us. We refund the purchase price of the item. Buyer is responsible for the return shipping costs.* *Thanks for looking.*