Shinto Japanese Samurai Sword (Wakizashi) with Sayagaki, Signed Tadakuni

Swords

$2,750

Material

Antique Steel

Color

Silver

Origin

Japan

Age / Period

Pre-1800

Condition

Estate / Pre-owned

21.375" blade with a wild *midare hamon* . *Nakago* with eight-character signature "H*arima Daij* *ō* *Fujiwara* *Tadakuni* " ( 信濃大掾藤原忠國 ) ;probably 2nd generation (1624). Nagako is possibly *ubu* (meaning that remains as it is since it was made) with three*mekugi-ana* . Blade contained in *shirasaya* attributing blade to Tadakuni. Swordsmith is listed as TA41 from W.M. Hawley, page 368. ++SAYAGAKI is the writing on the shirasaya that is done by a sword expert for the purpose of identification. It is in a manner similar to an NBTHK. It provides the name and title of the swordsmith. The name of the Sensei (master/expert) and his opinion of the sword, and in some cases some of the characteristics of the sword, such as its length.++ This piece was made by Harima Daijyo Fujiwara Tadakuni who is the son of First Generation Tadayoshi's father Hashimoto Rokurozaemon. He first engraved as Hironori. At Kanei 11th year(1634) he has received the post of Harima Daijyo and changed his name to Tadakuni. At his early carrier as Harima Daijyo, he engraved the Kanji of Ma 磨 signature as different Ma 摩 . There were many pieces remaining from Kanei Period to Kanbun period. At later age, he has called himself Harima Nyudo Kyutetsu. He had engraved names such as Hizen Jyu Harima Daijyo Fujiwara Tadakuni, Harima Daijyo Fujiwara Tadakuni and Hizen Ju Harima Nyudo Kyutetsu. He was outstanding sword smith inside the group Waki-Hizen of Hizen province. This blade is typical Tadakuni, and the Gunome Midare Hamon is nice. The signature is clear Condtion: Blade is mostly clean, showing an old polish. It was some barely noticeable spider-web rust on the left side of the blade and a couple of slight micro-chips. Otherwise, is in excellent condition for its 350 year-old history. Blade Length (Cutting Edge): 21.375 inches