Shintō-period Wakizashi with Koshirae

This Shintō-period wakizashi displays a refined and well-balanced sugata characteristic of Edo-period workmanship. The blade is currently in an older polish, though the underlying steel appears healthy and well forged, with itame-hadavisible throughout the ji. The hamon is calm and suguha-based, running evenly along the cutting edge. While subdued by the present polish, a professional repolish would bring out the finer activity in both the jihada and hamon, significantly enhancing the blade’s overall appearance. Following restoration, the blade would be a good candidate for shinsa submission and papering.

The wakizashi is mounted in a complete set of Edo-period koshirae that suits the character of the blade well. The tsuba is iron, showing honest age and restrained decoration, while the remaining fittings are shibuichi, providing subtle tonal contrast. The tsuka is wrapped in dark ito over samegawa, and the dark lacquered saya is fitted with a copper kojiri. The mounts are understated and functional, presenting attractively and forming a well-matched, period-appropriate mounting for this Shintō wakizashi.