AS25347 Wakizashi Izumi Kami Fujiwara Kunisada (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS25347

Wakizashi in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Izumi Kami Fujiwara Kunisada
和泉守藤原國貞

Shinto: Oo Wazamono Ranked as Jyojyo Saku, from Settsu province.
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This blade is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among works by Izumi no Kami Fujiwara Kunisada.
Habaki: Single-layer gold-covered
Blade Length: 45.2 cm (17.80 in)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.16 cm (1.24 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 2.35 cm (0.93 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.65 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight: 515 g
Era: Edo period, around the Kan’ei era (1624–1644)
Shape: A robust and healthy blade with wide mihaba, thick kasane, a rare mitsu-mune (triple-ridged back), deep curvature, and extended kissaki.
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada, forming a refined and excellent jigane.
Hamon: Nie-based gunome-midare, with a deep nioiguchi, showcasing a masterpiece-level quality.
The boshi turns in a komaru style and extends deeply into the shinogi-ji like ichimai-boshi.

Features: Izumi no Kami Fujiwara Kunisada was born in Muko (near Kyoto) and studied under Echigo no Kuni Sadayoshi.
Although he was previously believed to have studied under Kunihiro, it is now thought that Sadayoshi was his actual teacher.
Kawachi no Kami Kunisuke is also said to have studied alongside him.
He received the title “Izumi no Kami” in Genna 9 (May 1623).
In later years, due to poor health, his second generation (later Inoue Shinkai) produced works on his behalf.
He passed away on May 5, 1652 (Keian 5), at the age of 63.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This is believed to be one of the finest works by Kunisada.
The signature is clearly cut, indicating it was made during his energetic years.
It is a magnificent blade we highly recommend.
The rare mitsu-mune, solid construction, substantial weight, and excellent polish make it a standout piece.

Historical Context: During his studies under Sadayoshi, Kunisada and Kunisuke trained together, indicating they likely had a close relationship.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata