| Mei (Signature) | Mumei (unsigned) β O-suriage (greatly shortened, original signature removed) |
| Attribution | Bungo Takada School, Kyushu |
| Era | Late Muromachi β Early Edo Period (c. late 16th to early 17th century) |
| Province (Kuni) | Bungo (present-day Oita Prefecture, Kyushu) |
| Shape (Sugata) | Shinogizukuri, Iorimune, O-kissaki (large point) |
| Material | Tamahagane |
| Jihada (Grain) | Itame-hada |
| Hamon (Temper Line) | Gunome-midare with togariba β nioi-based, rich ko-ashi |
| Blade Length | 51.4 cm (20.2 inches) |
| Curvature (Sori) | 1.5 cm |
| Moto-haba (Width at base) | 2.9 cm |
| Saki-haba (Width at tip) | 2.4 cm |
| Kasane (Thickness) | 0.5 cm |
| Weight (blade only) | 523 g |
| Mekugiana (Rivet holes) | 3 |
| Koshirae | Kuro-roiro Ishime-ji Nuri Wakizashi Koshirae (black roiro stone-textured lacquered mounting) |
| Certificate | None |
This wakizashi is an O-suriage Mumei β a blade that was significantly shortened in a later period, with the original smith's signature removed in the process. This was a common practice when long katana were reduced to a more practical length for daily carry. Based on the character of the jihada and hamon, the blade clearly originates from the KotΕ (ε€ε) era, and its O-kissaki (large point) places its manufacture in the late Muromachi to early Edo period β a transitional era when blade shapes were shifting toward grander proportions.
The style of the hamon is highly characteristic of the Bungo Takada school (θ±εΎι«η°ζ΄Ύ) of Kyushu. The gunome-midare (undulating temper line) is punctuated by togariba β sharply pointed elements within the hamon β and the overall pattern carries a degree of lively irregularity that is a hallmark of Takada work. The hamon is nioi-based with rich ko-ashi (short feet of activity extending into the blade) throughout, giving it depth and motion.
The Bungo Takada school was one of the most prolific and important sword-producing centers in Kyushu. Based in the Takada region of Bungo Province (present-day Oita Prefecture), the school flourished under the patronage of powerful Kyushu lords and was known for producing robust, powerful blades suited for actual combat. The school's tradition continued across generations from the NanbokuchΕ period well into the Edo era, and their swords are prized today for their honest, vigorous character.
This blade has generous width (Mi-haba) throughout β the Moto-haba of 2.9 cm and the notably wide Saki-haba of 2.4 cm give it an impressively powerful, imposing silhouette. Combined with the O-kissaki, this is a blade of real visual presence and commanding authority β a bold and martial aesthetic entirely fitting for the turbulent age in which it was made.
The Itame-hada jihada is well-forged and clearly visible.
The koshirae is in good condition and presents as a well-coordinated, refined mounting. The Kuro-roiro Ishime-ji Nuri saya (stone-textured black lacquer) has a quiet elegance, and the fittings include a matching pair of horse-motif menuki β a coherent, harmonious set that suggests this sword belonged to a mid-ranking samurai of means and taste.
The blade is in old polish. While not a fresh re-polish, the condition is fully presentable and the jihada and hamon can be appreciated without difficulty.
Blade: Old polish. The jihada and hamon are clearly visible and can be appreciated without difficulty. No significant issues affecting enjoyment of the sword.
Koshirae: The Kuro-roiro Ishime-ji Nuri Wakizashi Koshirae is in good condition. The stone-textured black lacquer saya and matching horse-motif fittings are well-preserved and present as a cohesive, quality mounting.
- β Authentic KotΕ-era blade attributed to the Bungo Takada school β a major Kyushu tradition
- β O-kissaki (large point) β rare and dramatic on a wakizashi, marking the late Muromachi transitional style
- β Powerful, wide blade β Saki-haba 2.4 cm gives an exceptionally bold silhouette
- β Lively gunome-midare with togariba and rich ko-ashi β active, characterful hamon
- β Good presentable condition β old polish, jihada and hamon clearly visible
- β Complete with Kuro-roiro Ishime-ji Nuri Koshirae in good condition, including matching horse-motif fittings
- β A genuine piece of Sengoku-era Kyushu sword history
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