A Tadakuni Wakizashi (肥前住播磨大掾藤原忠国)

Soon after studying under grandmaster Shodai Tadayoshi, swordsmith Hironori – born Hashimoto Tokurozaemon – changed his name to Tadakuni. As the first generation (Shodai) Harima no Daijo Tadakuni, he established himself among the finest names in Hizen province sword-making. Rated Jo-saku and Wazamono by Fujishiro, his blades are recognised for their exuberant choji midare hamon and pristine konuka hada – the fine, powder-like texture that defines the best of Hizen work. This wakizashi is a steely Hizen masterpiece.

The choji midare hamon here extends boldly to the shinogi, with sunagashi, yakidaka, and hakeru adding depth and movement throughout. The ko-itame jihada is finely forged. An ubu nakago of 52.0cm with gentle 0.8cm curvature gives this blade a satisfying, balanced presence. The Keian era (1648-1651) falls within the Keicho Shintô period – widely considered the second golden era of sword-making skills – and this wakizashi is direct evidence of that claim.

There is a saying that a sword with a red scabbard must inherently be special. The matching issaku koshirae features a deep red vermilion saya in celebratory style. The tsuba carries a traditional boating theme, the fuchi-kashira holds a crane, and shakudo menuki depict a tortoise with algae – both symbols of health and longevity. Matching ebi (shrimp) kozuka and kogai complete the set. Three certificates accompany this exceptional piece: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon, NTHK-NPO Yushusaku (the organisation’s highest achievement), and NTHK-NPO Kanteisho for the koshirae.