A Tsunanobu Wakizashi (米沢住綱信)

A magnificent hirazukuri wakizashi made by Tsunanobu, the finest swordsmith of the Yonezawa domain – and dated, with fine precision, to the 13th year of Bunsei (August 1830). That year is significant: it was the very year the Shogunate declared Yonezawa, a domain of the Uesugi clan, to be the model of a well-managed domain in all Japan. This sword, made in that moment of triumph, carries that spirit. It is a blade that could be described as being in full bloom.

The kiku-choji midare hamon – clove blossoms arranged in the shape of chrysanthemums – is as beautiful a temper line as one can hope to encounter on a Japanese sword. It runs along a tight ko-itame and mokume jihada with a suguha yakidashi at the base, the composition as controlled as it is expressive. This is sword making as pure art.

The matching tsuba and fuchi-kashira depict Omi Hakkei – the eight scenic views of Omi province, a subject beloved by Hiroshige and other ukiyo-e masters. Both fittings are signed by the Jakushi School in nunome-zogan gold inlay on iron. The sword comes with two NTHK-NPO Kanteisho certificates – one for the blade, one for the fittings – making this a fully authenticated ensemble from blade to mount.