AS23391 Wakizashi:Tsunahiro (3rd Generation)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number: AS23391
Wakizashi: In Koshirae(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Inscription: Tsunahiro (3rd Generation)
綱広（三代)

In our company, we classify swords as Saijō-saku (highest quality), Jōjōsaku (high quality), Jō-saku (good quality), and Futsū-saku (ordinary quality) based on the craftsmanship of the swordsmith. This piece is ranked as Jō-saku, indicating it is of good quality.

Polished
Habaki (Collar): Silver Single Habaki
Blade Length: 33.94 centimeters (13.35 inches)
Curvature: 0.6 centimeters (0.24 inches)
Peg Hole: 1
Width at the Base: 3.11 centimeters (1.22 inches)
Thickness: 0.68 centimeters (0.27 inches)
Sword Weight: 320 grams
Era: Muromachi period, around the Bunroku era (1592-1596)
Shape: The blade is wide, with a firm thickness, three grooves (mitsumune), deep curvature, and a straight Wakisashi shape. The blade is beautifully adorned with grass-like carvings (kuyūrakago) on the blade surface.
Blade Surface Pattern: It displays a finely grained ko-itamehada (small wood grain pattern) with visible hada-tatsu (skin grain). The hamon (temper pattern) is a mixture of midare (irregular waves) and gunome (half-circles), creating a wavy pattern that gives a sense of age. The blade also exhibits activities such as sunagashi (sand patterns) and kinsuji (golden lines).

Characteristics: Tsunahiro was active over several generations during the Muromachi period. This particular piece is attributed to the 3rd generation, known as Yamamura Sōemon-no-jō. He lived in Kamakura and was later invited by the lord of the Tsugaru domain to forge swords. He produced around 300 swords in various styles, including irregular hamon, yakitō (all burned), and straight hamon. Some carvings on his works also survive. He passed away at the age of 91 on February 27th of Kan’ei 15 (1638).

Mountings:
Tsuba (Handguard): A round iron tsuba with a landscape featuring birds carved in relief and decorated with colored enamel.
Fuchikashira (Pommel Cap): On a red copper ground, a depiction of an eagle and a ship with the inscription “Genshun.”
Saya (Scabbard): Black lacquer scabbard.
Menuki (Hilt Ornaments): Intricately carved with a spider and a bee.
Kozuka (Small Knife Handle): A quartered design featuring the moon and a bird, carved in high relief.

From Aoi Art: Tsunahiro’s strong influence from the Sagami tradition is evident, with well-defined skin grain patterns (jihada) and a unique Sagami-style temper line. The carvings are skillful, and the sword shape is characteristic of a three-grooved design. This is a well-crafted piece and highly recommended.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token paper
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata by Ayaka Tsuruta