Lot 89
East Asia, Japan, early Edo Period, signed the 2nd generation Echizen Kanenori, ca. 1661 to 1673 CE. A wakizashi sword with a curved shinogi-zukuri blade with a tang signed "Echizen koku Kanenori." The lacquered wood scabbard (saya) has a narrow slot meant to house a by-knife (kozuka), a shakudo lower band, and a modern purple cord. The handle bears stingray skin (samegawa) and cotton bindings (tsuka-ito) with petite phytomorphic ornaments within (menuki). The iron hand guard (marugata tsuba) is decorated with autumn grass and a petite zoomorph embellished with shakudo as well as a crescent moon on top. The blade has a diamond-shaped (iori-mune) profile, a wavy (notare) temper line, tight hammer-folded graining (itame-hada), and a lightly curved tip (chu-kissaki). Size (w/ scabbard): 2.4" W x 24" H (6.1 cm x 61 cm); (blade): 16.1" L x 1.125" W (40.9 cm x 2.9 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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#170695
- Condition: Blade and hand guard are from the stated period; scabbard and remaining handle components are likely from a later date, perhaps in the 20th century. By-knife in scabbard missing as shown. Light abrasions to blade and hand guard, with minor nicks to hand guard around periphery and raised detailing. Nice patina throughout, and blade edge is still very sharp. Light wear and softening to kanji signature on tang. Abrasions and small nicks to scabbard and handle. Scabbard missing bottom cap as shown.
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