Wakizashi – Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi (Osaka)

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon

This exceptional early Edo–period wakizashi is attributed to Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi (Osaka), one of the foremost masters of the Osaka Shintō tradition, active during the Keichō–Kan’ei eras. Yoshimichi is renowned for his refined forging, elegant early Edo sugata, and distinctive hamon styles—most famously sudare-ba—and his work has been highly regarded from his own time through the present day.

The blade is accompanied by NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers, certifying it as a sword of especially high quality and historical importance. It displays the controlled shape and careful workmanship characteristic of top-level Osaka Shintō blades, making it a strong and highly collectible example from this important lineage.

Measurements

• Nagasa: Just under 1 shaku 7 sun
  (approx. 51–52 cm / 20–20.5 inches)

Koshirae

The sword is mounted in a well-matched handachi-style koshirae. The saya is finished in black lacquer with subtle gold flecking, giving it an elegant and refined appearance. The tsuka is wrapped in dark silk over samegawa and fitted with coordinated metal mounts accented with gilt highlights.

The tsuba is iron, carved in relief with a dynamic motif and showing good surface texture and honest age. The fuchi, kashira, and other fittings appear to be from the same set, indicating the koshirae was assembled cohesively rather than pieced together later. Overall, the mounts are in very good condition for their age and complement the blade exceptionally well.

Summary

A Tokubetsu Hozon wakizashi by a highly respected Osaka master, offered complete with quality handachi koshirae. This is a well-balanced and elegant piece that combines historical importance, strong workmanship, and attractive mounts—an excellent opportunity for the serious collector.