| Mei (Signature) | Taira Nagamori (平長盛) |
| Era | Late Muromachi Period (approx. 16th century) |
| Province (Kuni) | Bungo (present-day Oita Prefecture, Kyushu) |
| Shape (Sugata) | Shinogizukuri, Iorimune |
| Material | Tamahagane |
| Jihada (Grain) | Itame-hada with Mokume-hada mixed |
| Hamon (Temper Line) | Nioi-deki Gunome-midare with occasional Nijuba (double temper lines) |
| Blade Length | 53.3 cm (21.0 inches) |
| Curvature (Sori) | 1.25 cm |
| Moto-haba (Width at base) | 2.9 cm |
| Saki-haba (Width at tip) | 2.0 cm |
| Kasane (Thickness) | 0.6 cm |
| Weight (blade only) | 521 g |
| Mekugiana (Rivet holes) | 1 |
| Koshirae | Kuro-roiro-nuri Saya Wakizashi Koshirae (black lacquered scabbard mounting) |
| Certificate | No certificate |
This wakizashi bears the signature "Taira Nagamori" (平長盛) — one of the most accomplished smiths of the celebrated Taira Takada school (平高田派) of Bungo Province (present-day Oita Prefecture, Kyushu).
The Takada school traces its origins to the legendary Heian-period smith Yukihira (行平), and flourished through the Muromachi period as the premier sword-making tradition of Kyushu. Smiths of the Taira Takada (平高田) lineage — those signing with the "Taira (平)" prefix, as opposed to later smiths who used "Fujiwara" — represent the classical, pre-Edo tradition of this school. While Takada swords have historically been valued more for their practical performance than their aesthetic prestige, they are renowned for an exceptional combination of qualities rare in antique swords: they do not break, do not bend, and cut superbly — the three pillars of true functional excellence in a Japanese sword.
Among the Taira Takada smiths, Nagamori stands out as the most technically gifted — acknowledged by connoisseurs as the finest craftsman within the Taira Takada lineage. He served the powerful Otomo clan, one of the great daimyo houses of Sengoku-era Kyushu, and resided in Takada-sho, Bungo Province (near present-day Tsuruzaki, Oita City). It is recorded that he was granted the character "Kan" (鑑) from the name of lord Otomo Yoshikata (大友義鑑) and later changed his name to Kanmori (鑑盛) — a mark of exceptional favor from his lord.
The blade is forged in Itame-hada mixed with Mokume-hada, giving the jihada a lively, organic texture. The Nioi-deki Gunome-midare hamon with occasional Nijuba (double temper lines) adds a rare and visually captivating element — Nijuba, where a second line appears alongside the main hamon, is a distinctive feature prized by collectors. At 53.3 cm with a bold Moto-haba of 2.9 cm, this is a substantial and commanding wakizashi, carrying the powerful presence of a true Sengoku battlefield sword.
Blade: The blade carries an older polish, and there are light patches of surface rust in places. However, these do not interfere with appreciation of the blade — the hamon and jihada remain clearly visible. A professional re-polish would bring this sword to its full potential.
Koshirae: The Kuro-roiro-nuri saya Wakizashi Koshirae is in beautiful condition, with no significant damage. The elegant black lacquered scabbard presents cleanly and complements the blade well.
- ✅ Signed blade — "Taira Nagamori" (平長盛) of Bungo Province
- ✅ Late Muromachi Period — over 450 years of history from Kyushu
- ✅ Rare Nijuba (double temper line) — a distinctive and prized feature
- ✅ Rich Itame-hada with Mokume-hada mixed — vivid and characterful jihada
- ✅ Substantial wakizashi at 53.3 cm — powerful Muromachi presence
- ✅ Beautiful Kuro-roiro-nuri Koshirae in excellent condition
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We do not undervalue items or mark them as gifts. International government regulations prohibit such practices.
