Lot 90
East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. A wakizashi with a shinogi-zukuri blade featuring an intentionally shortened tang (o-suriage), a wavy gunome-choji temper pattern, a tight forging grain (itame-hada), and a slightly curved tip (chu-kissaki). The handle (tsuka) is wrapped with stingray skin (samegawa) and cotton straps (tsuka-ito) and displays a pair of gilt copper ornaments (menuki), each of a man riding a bull. The hand guard is shaped like a Japanese chrysanthemum (saotome kiko sukashi tsuba) and exhibits openwork petals. The scabbard (saya) is comprised of lacquered wood. Size (w/ scabbard): 2.7" W x 26.25" H (6.9 cm x 66.7 cm); (blade): 18.125" L x 1" W (46 cm x 2.5 cm)
This traditional Japanese sword was both a weapon and a symbol of authority and social status. The wakizashi paired with the longer katana sword marked the wearer as a samurai. The shorter sword was seen as an auxiliary weapon, also used for fighting in close quarters. In addition, Wakizashi could be worn by non-samurai if worn alone, and members of the merchant class (chonin) wore them because of the frequency of encountering bandits when traveling between Japan's cities.
Provenance: private Jones collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA; ex-private Sacramento, California, USA collection
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#170696
- Condition: Blade and hand guard are from the stated period but are not original to each other; handle components and scabbard are likely from a later date, perhaps the 20th century CE. Minor abrasions to hand guard and blade, with areas of light oxidation. Hand guard is slightly loose. Great patina throughout. Light abrasions to some handle components and scabbard. Tang is intentionally shortened along the top, but is only visible when handle is removed.
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