Edo was the sword’s age of connoisseurship: the Hon’ami appraisers, the shogunal register of famous blades of 1719, and a thriving literature turned the sword into an object of study even as it ceased to be drawn in war.
NihontoWatchNihontoWatchThis Wakizashi is signed by Omi no Kami Fujiwara Tsuguhiro, a skilled student of the third-generation Yasutsugu from Echizen. Tsuguhiro's blades reflect the exceptional metalworking techniques passed down by his master. Specifications : Mei : Omi no Kami Fujiwara Tsuguhiro Echizen Ju Period : Early Edo Period Blade Length: 53.2 cm Base Width (Motohaba): 2.8 cm Tip Width (Sakihaba): 1.9 cm Base Thickness (Motokasane): 0.7 cm Tip Thickness (Sakikasane): 0.5 cm Blade Weight: 455 g Hamon: Notare Certificate : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon The Wakizashi showcases a straight blade pattern with a pronounced curve (O-suriage), a hallmark of Tsuguhiro's adaptability and attention to detail. The steel reveals a fine itame grain with elements of mokume, indicating top-quality forging. Craftsmanship and Legacy: Tsuguhiro hailed from the Shimosaka school, a lineage of swordsmiths famed for their finely polished and practical designs, suitable for the demands of the Edo period's samurai. The influence of the Mino tradition from Gifu prefecture, renowned for its five great sword styles, is evident in this blade's construction. Authentication: The blade has been honored with the Tokubetsu Hozon certificate from the NBTHK, asserting its significance and the high level of preservation, marking it as a piece worth of preservation. This Wakizashi not only embodies the finest aspects of Tsuguhiro’s skill but also serves as a tangible connection to the celebrated Echizen swordsmiths. It stands as a proud representation of the rich samurai tradition, its superb condition and mountings indicative of the care and esteem it has been held in through the centuries.
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Echizen · around 1661-1673
Fujishiro Chu-jo saku · Tōken Taikan top 60%
6 pieces on the market now
The Edo period (1615 to 1868)
Edo was the sword’s age of connoisseurship: the Hon’ami appraisers, the shogunal register of famous blades of 1719, and a thriving literature turned the sword into an object of study even as it ceased to be drawn in war.
A Hozon-certified blade judged to show notably superior workmanship and a better state of preservation. The bar is higher: re-tempered blades and most unsigned Muromachi/Edo works are excluded.
The NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords) is a public-interest incorporated foundation founded in 1948 and supervised by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkachō); it is based at the Japanese Sword Museum in Tokyo. Its expert panels physically examine each submitted work (shinsa) and issue a certificate (kanteishō) ranking it by artistic and historical merit. NBTHK papers are the most widely recognized standard of authentication for Japanese swords and fittings.
NBTHK official site30-day money-back guarantee from receipt; items must be unused, complete, in original packaging. Sale items Final Sale. Antique swords non-returnable (Japanese export law). Damage reported within 72 hours. Customer pays return shipping unless seller error/defect. Refunds within 14 days of inspection.