{"product_id":"original-16th-century-muromachi-period-japanese-handmade-o-wakizashi-short-sword-by-niou-kiyomitsu-with-scabbard","title":"Original 16th Century Muromachi Period Japanese Handmade Ō-Wakizashi Short Sword by NIOU KIYOMITSU with Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Wakizashi (脇差 \"side inserted \/ companion sword\") is a general term for a sword with an edge between one and two shaku long (30 cm and 60 cm), predominantly made after 1600. Generally it is the short blade that accompanies a katana in the traditional samurai daisho pairing of swords, but may be worn by classes other than the samurai as a single blade, also worn edge up as the katana. Here we have a lovely example showing light wear from use, which was probably refit later in the Edo period, and comes complete \"en suite\" with matched fittings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs best we can tell, this example dates from the late Muromachi period (室町時代 Muromachi jidai) of 1336 to 1573, most likely the earlier portion. This is part of the period of Japanese swordmaking known as Kotō (古刀\"old swords\"), the the type of swords that later smiths treated as the goal they needed to achieve. As the blade length is close to that of a Katana, and the blade is the \"Shinogi-Zukuri\" shape, some would term this an \"Ō-Wakizashi\". This example has probably been remounted several times, as was common for Japanese blades that are several hundred years old, with the last time probably occurring in the late 19th Century. It was then probably brought back to the US during the WWII era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge and wear have made the YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang faint, and given it a lovely patina, with some areas of oxidation scaling. There still is some of the tagane-makura (raised area around the mei) present, and the tagane (chisel marks) faint, however the MEI signature is still relatively easy to read. As best we can tell it reads \u003cstrong\u003e二王 清光\u003c\/strong\u003e read as \u003cstrong\u003eNIOU KIYOMITSU\u003c\/strong\u003e. We were able to find this particular smith, and they were a member of the Niō School, based in Suō Province (周防国 or Suō no kuni). They worked during the Tenbun (天文) period, also known as Tenmon Period, which lasted 1532-1555. They are rated 15 by Hawley, and ¥3M by Toko Taikan, so they were definitely an above average smith. Definitely some good research potential with this sword.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade has the following period correct features:\u003cbr\u003e- Folded steel blade (fold lines are evident on the spine and body of the blade)\u003cbr\u003e- Hole (mekugi-ana) in the tang is punched and not drilled\u003cbr\u003e- Blade is signed by the maker (Mei)\u003cbr\u003e- Visible temper line (\"hamon\") on the blade cutting edge.\u003cbr\u003e- Blade has a proper geometric kissaki (tip)\u003cbr\u003e- Blade wounds (kizu) or lamination artifacts are present on the blade. Ware (lamination lines) are visible in several areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very nice condition, the polish on the blade is definitely worn, and shows signs of oxidation and subsequent cleaning using uchiko powder, which has unfortunately made many aspects of the blade faint. However, it is still quite sharp, with no edge issues we can see except for the very tip, and should be \u003cstrong\u003ehandled with care\u003c\/strong\u003e. The blade length is approximately 22 ⅝\" and overall length 31 ½\". It has a futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with an Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). The blade shape is SHINOGI-ZUKURI, which is the \"standard\" shape for most Katana and longer wakizashi. Many would term this an \"Ō-Wakizashi\" as the length is relatively close to a Katana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main edge Temper line (hamon) is fully visible, and is a very attractive NOTARE MIDARE (湾れ乱れ - irregular wave like) shape, which can still be seen in the light. There are some areas where it is not clear though, and it definitely just be at the right angle to view it correctly. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon. There are also some KIZU blade wounds visible, mostly WARE lamination lines, only possible on true handmade blades. Due to the polish condition, we unfortunately cannot make out the YOKOTE (division between the blade body and the tip) or the BOSHI (tip temper line).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe patinated TSUBA (cross guard) is made of iron and is of the MARU GATA (round) shape, and is embossed on one side with what looks to be a radish or other root vegetable, which was once gold highlighted. It has two HITSU-ANA accessory holes, one for a KOZUKA (kogatana handle) and one for a KOGAI hair ornament. This allows the accessories to be taken out without unsheathing the sword. There are two metal seppa to help keep the tsuba from wobbling, and it is relatively secure when the hilt is on. The sword has a copper blade collar (HABAKI), typical of the Edo period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FUCHI (collar) for the TSUKA (handle) is made from patinated iron, and has some gilt designs, and the KABUTO-GANE (end cap) is also of iron, with matching gilt designs. There are two menuki grip ornaments, which look to be vegetables or fruit, with some gilt highlights. The stingray skin (SA-ME) grip is in very good shape, showing some age, and is definitely real skin, not simulated. The grip wrapping is green leather, and definitely looks to be Edo period. There is a single partial wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which could looks to be a replacement from the 20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword comes well-fitting wooden scabbard (saya), which is finished with lovely textured black urushi lacquer. The scabbard has a slot for a kogatana knife, which is unfortunately not included. There is also a lovely iron KURIKATA knob, where a SAGEO sword cord might be attached, which has a SHITODOME fitting inside. All of the fittings are iron with matching gilt highlights, which match the fittings on the handle. Definitely a lovely scabbard!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely late Muromachi Period wakizashi by a known smith \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003ewith a nice set of Edo period fittings! Ready to research and display!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications (Wakizashi):-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 22 ⅝\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造)\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 31 ½“\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 23 ¾\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach hand-made Japanese blade (日本刀 - Nihonto) is unique because it is forged from multiple pieces of folded steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe traditional Japanese blade and mountings have grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42078970740805,"sku":"ONJR23AM47","price":1895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR23AM47__01.jpg?v=1728940036","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-16th-century-muromachi-period-japanese-handmade-o-wakizashi-short-sword-by-niou-kiyomitsu-with-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}