Japanese Koto Period Wakizashi – Muromachi Era Blade in Fine Edo Koshirae (SW2004)

Nagasa: 18.625 inches (47.3 cm) Japan, circa 1450–1550 (blade) / circa 1800–1850 (mountings)  A fine and authentic Japanese wakizashi featuring a traditionally forged Koto-period blade dating to the Muromachi era, mounted in high-quality late Edo period civilian koshirae.  The blade is of elegant, slender shinogi-zukuri form with shallow natural sori and a well-proportioned chu-kissaki. It exhibits a classic tight suguha hamon, calm and refined, characteristic of early Japanese sword traditions such as Yamashiro or early Mino workmanship. The jihada appears fine and well forged, and the blade is notably light and lively in hand, displaying the graceful balance typical of quality Koto swords.  The nakago is unsigned (mumei) and shows deep natural patination with three mekugi-ana, indicating repeated remounting over centuries of service—an attribute commonly encountered on genuine Koto blades that remained in use through multiple periods.  The sword is mounted in attractive and matching late Edo period civilian koshirae. The fuchi and kashira are shakudō with fine nanako ground and high-relief gold takazōgan depicting auspicious motifs including bamboo, birds, and a tortoise (symbols of resilience, harmony, and longevity). Matching shakudō menuki with gold highlights are mounted beneath the original brown silk tsuka-ito over full samegawa panels.  The iron tsuba is of classic round form, decorated with subtle gold inlay landscape and figure motifs, and the saya is finished in black lacquer with elegant gilt floral decoration.  This is an excellent example of an early Japanese blade preserved and appreciated through later generations, combining the historical significance of the Koto period with the refined aesthetics of Edo-era mountings.  A highly collectible sword suitable for the advanced nihontō collector or as a centerpiece example of early Japanese craftsmanship.