A Hirofusa Wakizashi (勢州桑名住三品義明斎広房作)

Shinshintô swordsmith Gimeisai Hirofusa was a resident of the Kuwana domain in Ise province – modern-day Mie prefecture – working in the mid-1800s. Known also as Mishina Hanbei, he spent time in both Ise and Iga provinces, and according to Fujishiro’s Nihon Shintô Jiten, his greatest talent lay in reproducing the masterworks of the past, particularly forging in the Bizen tradition.

Signed swords by Hirofusa are rare, which makes this dated wakizashi – inscribed on New Year’s Day of Ansei 5 (January 1, 1858) – all the more remarkable. The construction is kamuri otoshi, with bold bevels running along the spine, and a superbly executed naginata hi groove. The kissaki is a massive 6.3cm. The hamon is a classic Bizen koshibiraki choji midare that commands attention the moment the blade is drawn – lively, full, and showing the kind of rhythmic energy that defined the Bizen tradition at its peak.

This sword has accumulated exceptional credentials. It is published on page 353 of the prestigious Nihonto Zuikan: Shintô by Kataoka, holds NBTHK Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho designation, and attained NTHK-NPO Yushusaku (Highly Excellent) – the top certificate issued by the NTHK-NPO. A custom koshirae was purpose-built for the sword, carrying a koi-and-waterfall motif expressing perseverance and determination – the Samurai virtue of never giving up. The menuki are uniquely designed gold shisa lion figures on shakudô, certified NBTHK Hozon to Mino Waki-Goto. A gem of a sword with remarkable personality.