It has arrived, it has arrived! Though it is *mumei*, a masterpiece *wakizashi* attributed as Aizu Kanesada has arrived. While the *sayagaki* modestly attributes it to the 8th generation Kanesada, the *so-masame kitae* is a specialty particularly associated with the works of the 11th generation Aizu Izumi no Kami Kanesada. Therefore, I will describe it here as a work of the 11th generation Aizu Izumi no Kami Kanesada—the maker of the beloved sword of the Shinsengumi Vice-Commander Hijikata Toshizo, who is currently at the peak of popularity. The 11th generation Aizu Izumi no Kami Kanesada’s real name was Furukawa Seizaemon. He was born in Aizu-Wakamatsu in Tenpo 8 (1837) (189 years ago). Due to his magnificent skill, he became a clan swordsmith for the Aizu Domain at the age of 16. Even looking at this *wakizashi*, one can clearly see that he possessed first-class skill as a swordsmith from a young age. In the 12th month of Bunkyu 3 (1863) at the end of the Edo period, he went to Kyoto, received the title of *Izumi no Kami*, and changed his *mei* from Kanemoto to Izumi no Kami Kanesada. The 11th generation Izumi no Kami Kanesada is the last master smith of the Aizu Kanesada lineage. Today, he is incredibly famous as the maker of Hijikata Toshizo’s sword, and the popularity of this type of *wakizashi* in Touken Ranbu is at its climax. The *sugata* of this *wakizashi* shows a thick *moto-kasane*, wide *moto-mihaba*, and wide *saki-mihaba* with *sori*, presenting a grand *hira-zukuri wakizashi* form. The *jigane* displays a *so-masame hada*, forged into a powerful steel. The *hamon* is a *nioi-deki* with *nie* in a *suguha* style, with well-attached *nie* creating a very spirited edge; it truly possesses the value of a *wakizashi* loved by Shinsengumi Vice-Commander Hijikata Toshizo. There are works by the 11th generation Izumi no Kami Kanesada that boast such incredible sharpness that they were said to cut through a human body in a single stroke and into the *dotan* (execution mound) during *tameshigiri*. While the 11th generation Izumi no Kami Kanesada’s surviving works are famous, they are scarce; though this *wakizashi* is *mumei*, it is wonderful and precious. This *wakizashi* has been cherished by an old family, but as they have aged, they have entrusted it to us, asking that this blade—attributed only as Aizu Kanesada due to being *mumei*—be passed on at a low price to someone who will treasure it. Therefore, we are offering this *wakizashi*, which is likely by the 11th generation Aizu Izumi no Kami Kanesada who became particularly famous during the turbulent end of the Bakufu, at an ultra-low price. Please enjoy it.
Certificate reading — 無銘（会津兼定）
NihontoWatchmumei · Edo · nagasa 42cm · sori 1.4cm
Mino-den · Iwashiro · around 1854-1860
Fujishiro Jo saku · Tōken Taikan top 39%
1 piece on the market now
Mino-den · Iwashiro
8 pieces on the market now
| Smith | Era | Designated |
|---|---|---|
| Kanesada兼定 | 1818-1869 | 0 |
| Kanesada兼定 | 1624-1644 | 0 |
| Kanesada兼定 | 1624-1644 | 0 |
| Kanesada兼定 | 1655-1658 | 0 |
| Kanesada兼定 | 1661-1673 | 0 |
The Edo period (1615 to 1868)
For two and a half centuries of peace the sword was the warrior’s legal badge rather than his weapon. Each great city developed its own manner, Edo’s tested strength against Ōsaka’s polished brilliance, until demand thinned in the era’s last decades.
This work carries older NBTHK “Kichō”-era papers, which the NBTHK no longer issues and now regards as unreliable. To confirm the attribution, submission to an official Japanese examination body (such as the NBTHK or NTHK) for modern certification could be considered.
For returns due to customer circumstances, the cost is the customer's responsibility. For returns due to our mis-shipment or a defective item, we bear the cost.
It has arrived, it has arrived! Though it is *mumei*, a masterpiece *wakizashi* attributed as Aizu Kanesada has arrived. While the *sayagaki* modestly attributes it to the 8th generation Kanesada, the *so-masame kitae* is a specialty particularly associated with the works of the 11th generation Aizu Izumi no Kami Kanesada. Therefore, I will describe it here as a work of the 11th generation Aizu Izumi no Kami Kanesada—the maker of the beloved sword of the Shinsengumi Vice-Commander Hijikata Toshizo, who is currently at the peak of popularity. The 11th generation Aizu Izumi no Kami Kanesada’s real name was Furukawa Seizaemon. He was born in Aizu-Wakamatsu in Tenpo 8 (1837) (189 years ago). Due to his magnificent skill, he became a clan swordsmith for the Aizu Domain at the age of 16. Even looking at this *wakizashi*, one can clearly see that he possessed first-class skill as a swordsmith from a young age. In the 12th month of Bunkyu 3 (1863) at the end of the Edo period, he went to Kyoto, received the title of *Izumi no Kami*, and changed his *mei* from Kanemoto to Izumi no Kami Kanesada. The 11th generation Izumi no Kami Kanesada is the last master smith of the Aizu Kanesada lineage. Today, he is incredibly famous as the maker of Hijikata Toshizo’s sword, and the popularity of this type of *wakizashi* in Touken Ranbu is at its climax. The *sugata* of this *wakizashi* shows a thick *moto-kasane*, wide *moto-mihaba*, and wide *saki-mihaba* with *sori*, presenting a grand *hira-zukuri wakizashi* form. The *jigane* displays a *so-masame hada*, forged into a powerful steel. The *hamon* is a *nioi-deki* with *nie* in a *suguha* style, with well-attached *nie* creating a very spirited edge; it truly possesses the value of a *wakizashi* loved by Shinsengumi Vice-Commander Hijikata Toshizo. There are works by the 11th generation Izumi no Kami Kanesada that boast such incredible sharpness that they were said to cut through a human body in a single stroke and into the *dotan* (execution mound) during *tameshigiri*. While the 11th generation Izumi no Kami Kanesada’s surviving works are famous, they are scarce; though this *wakizashi* is *mumei*, it is wonderful and precious. This *wakizashi* has been cherished by an old family, but as they have aged, they have entrusted it to us, asking that this blade—attributed only as Aizu Kanesada due to being *mumei*—be passed on at a low price to someone who will treasure it. Therefore, we are offering this *wakizashi*, which is likely by the 11th generation Aizu Izumi no Kami Kanesada who became particularly famous during the turbulent end of the Bakufu, at an ultra-low price. Please enjoy it.
Certificate reading — 無銘（会津兼定）
NihontoWatchmumei · Edo · nagasa 42cm · sori 1.4cm
Mino-den · Iwashiro · around 1854-1860
Fujishiro Jo saku · Tōken Taikan top 39%
1 piece on the market now
Mino-den · Iwashiro
8 pieces on the market now
| Smith | Era | Designated |
|---|---|---|
| Kanesada兼定 | 1818-1869 | 0 |
| Kanesada兼定 | 1624-1644 | 0 |
| Kanesada兼定 | 1624-1644 | 0 |
| Kanesada兼定 | 1655-1658 | 0 |
| Kanesada兼定 | 1661-1673 | 0 |
The Edo period (1615 to 1868)
For two and a half centuries of peace the sword was the warrior’s legal badge rather than his weapon. Each great city developed its own manner, Edo’s tested strength against Ōsaka’s polished brilliance, until demand thinned in the era’s last decades.
This work carries older NBTHK “Kichō”-era papers, which the NBTHK no longer issues and now regards as unreliable. To confirm the attribution, submission to an official Japanese examination body (such as the NBTHK or NTHK) for modern certification could be considered.
For returns due to customer circumstances, the cost is the customer's responsibility. For returns due to our mis-shipment or a defective item, we bear the cost.
