AS25615 Wakizashi(Naginata Naoshi): Mumei (attributed to Den Yoshioka Ichimonji)2nd NBTHK Juyo Token)

Ordering number:AS25615

Wakizashi(Naginata Naoshi): in Shirasaya (52nd NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Mumei (attributed to Den Yoshioka Ichimonji)
無銘(伝 吉岡一文字)

Sayagaki: by Dr. Kanzan
Yoshioka Ichimonji
Naginata-naoshi, unsigned
Blade length: 1 shaku 5 sun 7 bu
Late Autumn, 1981 (Showa 56)
Written by Kanzan (with kaō)
Part of a daisho passed down in the Shogunal family

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This blade is ranked as Saijyo Saku (top grade) for a Mumei (attributed to Yoshioka Ichimonji).

Habaki: Double-layered with gold foil
Blade Length: 47.58 cm (18.73 in)
Curvature: 1.06 cm (0.42 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.02 cm (1.19 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.36 cm (0.14 in)
Sword Weight: 495 g
Era: Late Kamakura to early Nanbokucho period
Shape: A Wakizashi in the style of a Naginata-naoshi with wide body and thin kasane.
It has a deep curvature.
Jigane: Itame-hada mixed with mokume-hada, with a visible utsuri.
The shinogi-ji is well-forged and blends with the jigane.
Hamon: Gunome-midare mixed with choji-midare.
From the monouchi upward, intense choji-midare appears.
Inazuma can be seen in places, and the boshi ends in yakitsume.

Features: Yoshioka Ichimonji was a subgroup of the Ichimonji school active from the late Kamakura to Nanbokucho period.
Compared to Fukuoka Ichimonji, their hamon tends to be gentler in appearance.
This piece was originally a naginata that was later reshaped into a wakizashi.

Aoi Art’s Comment: The sayagaki by Kanzan Sensei states that this blade is “one of a daisho passed down in the Shogunal family.”
This suggests that the sword likely belonged to a noble family of distinguished lineage and was treasured over generations.
Its elegant form remains intact today, evoking an endless fascination when imagining who once wielded it.
Highly recommended.

52nd NBTHK Juyo Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata

Please note: The price does not include the international shipping fees.