Jumyo wakazashi (fss-743)

The Jumyo name has its origins from Yamato in Nara prefecture and moved to Mino province in Gifu prefecture in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The tradition continued until the end of the Edo period in 1868.The name, Jumyo, means life span or longevity. Their swords were prized as celebrated gifts to Daimyo families amongst the Samurai society.

This is an exquisite ko- wakazashi. The finer aspects of this koshirae are very unique. The tsuba/guard is made of shakudo with a dragon themed rim and tsukashi kirimon cutout. Most of the fittings are also shakudo. The saya/scabbard is made in a unique style. The lacquer is very precious with kojiri made of silver. The tsukamaki or silk handle wrapping shows a beautiful aged appearance and coloration. We do not recommend changing it. The overall condition is excellent with some minor age oriented damage, and is a splendid work of art in itself. The blade is also very well made and flawless. It is in a fresh polish and the hada and hamon can truly be appreciated and enjoyed. The hamon is nioi based in general and has a very controlled hamon in a sugu-ba style. It is subdued with minute chikei to be found and is opulent in finish with ji-nie. The sword should be submitted to shinsa in the future to add to its overall value.

” A NOTE ON THE DRAGON THEME ”

Many Chinese believed the dragon held, or at least chased, the sun, and many drawings depict this as a flaming red ball. However, over the years, this sun changed color from red to a silvery-pearl color, and gradually the ball came to be considered a flaming pearl, known as the night shining pearl. It is with this that the dragon is almost invariably associated in art. The link between serpentine shaped dragons and the pearl is reflected in a legend that states that Chi Liang, the Marquis of Sui, who was a Minister of State, was out walking one day, and found a wounded snake to which he gave medicine and saved its life. Sometime later, he saw the snake with a brilliant pearl in its mouth. The snake said ‘I am the son of His Majesty the Dragon, and I am indebted to you for the preservation of my life, and I have brought this pearl to thank you for your kindness.’ The Minister accepted the pearl and, being a dutiful subject, presented it to his sovereign, who placed it in his hall.