| Mei (Signature) | Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi (丹波守吉道) — 3rd Generation Osaka |
| Era | Mid Edo Period (approx. Genroku era, c. 1688) — under the 5th Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi |
| Province (Kuni) | Osaka (present-day Osaka Prefecture) |
| Shape (Sugata) | Shinogizukuri, Iorimune |
| Material | Tamahagane |
| Jihada (Grain) | Ko-itame-hada (fine wood-grain pattern) |
| Hamon (Temper Line) | Sudare-ha (streaming curtain pattern) — straight yakidashi at base, flowing into the family's signature Sudare-ha of nioi and ko-nie |
| Blade Length | 40.2 cm (15.8 inches) |
| Curvature (Sori) | 1.1 cm |
| Moto-haba (Width at base) | 2.7 cm |
| Saki-haba (Width at tip) | 2.2 cm |
| Kasane (Thickness) | 0.7 cm |
| Weight (blade only) | 395 g |
| Mekugiana (Rivet holes) | 1 |
| Koshirae | Kumo-mon Chiri Murakumo-nuri Saya Koshirae (cloud-pattern lacquered scabbard mounting) — total length approx. 70 cm |
| Certificate | No certificate |
This wakizashi bears the prestigious signature "Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi" (丹波守吉道) — one of the most celebrated names in the world of Japanese swords. This blade is the work of the 3rd generation Osaka Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi.
The Yoshimichi lineage traces its origins to Kyoto. The 1st generation Osaka Yoshimichi was the second son of the 1st generation Kyoto Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi, born in 1598 (Keicho 3). He received the honorary title of Tanba no Kami during the Shōhō era and relocated to Osaka, establishing what would become the celebrated Osaka Yoshimichi school. This sword was made by his grandson — the 3rd generation Osaka Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi — during the culturally vibrant Genroku era (c. 1688), under the reign of the 5th Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. The Genroku period was one of the most flourishing eras in Edo culture, and the refined artistry of this blade reflects that golden age.
The defining feature of the Osaka Yoshimichi school is the breathtaking Sudare-ha (簾刃) — literally "streaming curtain hamon." This blade showcases the full mastery of that tradition: beginning with a straight yakidashi (straight tempered base), it flows into the cascading Sudare-ha of nioi and ko-nie. This is the distinctively creative style of the 3rd generation, a testament to his extraordinary skill and originality.
The Ko-itame-hada (fine wood-grain jihada) is bright and tightly forged, characteristic of the high-quality Osaka tradition. The proportions — wide Moto-haba of 2.7 cm with a still-full Saki-haba of 2.2 cm — give the blade a powerful, bold presence full of energy.
The nakago retains a single mekugiana. The blade shows evidence of real use: the machi (habaki area) has been re-cut and restored in a later period — a testament to the fact that this sword was actively carried as a weapon, not merely kept for display. This authentic history only deepens the sword's character and story.
Blade: The blade is in good condition suitable for appreciation. The distinctive Sudare-ha hamon and Ko-itame jihada are clearly visible. Please note that the machi (habaki area) has been re-cut and reforged in a later period, consistent with the blade having been actively used. This is a historical characteristic of the piece and does not detract from its overall appeal or collectibility.
Koshirae: The koshirae is in good condition. The elegant Murakumo-nuri saya (cloud-pattern lacquered scabbard) with scattered cloud mon (family crest) decoration presents beautifully, with no significant damage. A fine and harmonious mounting that complements the blade well.
- ✅ Signed by the celebrated Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi — master of the Sudare-ha
- ✅ Spectacular Sudare-ha hamon — the rarest and most iconic hamon in Japanese sword art
- ✅ 3rd Generation Osaka — Genroku era (c.1688), peak of Edo cultural brilliance
- ✅ Complete with elegant Murakumo-nuri koshirae in good condition
- ✅ Authentic history — evidence of real use, machi re-cut, adds genuine provenance
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We do not undervalue items or mark them as gifts. International government regulations prohibit such practices.
