The Yoshimichi line of swordsmiths was very well known and highly regarded as quality smiths. They produced many high quality and flamboyant swords that were very desirable to the samurai of the day. This particular sword is made in a very stout manor and is very out of the norm. It was more than likely a special ordered blade to mount in these exquisitely carved mounts. Please take special note to the size and scale of this sword. it is extremely wide and thick. The shape looks very simple, but such a sword like this is not easy to make. The sword has a rich hada that is very clearly defined. The color of the hada is milky with almost a wet look. Normally not this much hada is visible in your average wakazashi so it is very pleasant to study in hand. The hamon is also very active and somewhat exciting when viewed in hand. The overall shape is not too flashy but within the hamon it is rich with hataraki/activity. This sword comes in its original mounts. These are not just mounts but more an artistic creation. The mounts including the tsuba are all wood and the carvings are in excellent shape with no damage. This is very incredible because wood is so fragile when carved like this. At the end of the handle is a very finely carved bat that is pristine. Dragons, a tiger and a bat are all carved carefully into this fascinating item. The eyes and teeth of the dragons are all inlayed with ivory and mother of pearls and horn inlays are also visible, and all intact.

This very fine blade with incredibly carved mounts comes with papers from the NTHK attesting to the maker and quality. This sword is for the person looking for something extremely unique and important and should not be compared to just any other sword.

NTHK KANTEI SHO PAPERS

Attributing this sword To:
Tanba No Kami Yoshimichi
Dated: Tenpo 1830’s