A Kanewaka ‘Matasuke’ Wakizashi (賀州住兼若)

The Kanewaka name from Kaga province commands the highest respect in the world of Japanese swords. This school produced top-quality blades for notable daimyo (great families), and the reputation of their craft was such that – as the saying went – even a poor samurai who carried a Kanewaka sword would be considered a worthy partner. The 2nd generation Kanewaka, known as Matasuke, worked during the Meireki era and this wakizashi is a fine example of his art at its fullest.

Recently polished and now showing all of its qualities, the blade displays the hallmarks of a genuine Kanewaka School work. Most striking are the beautiful tobiyaki – floating temper spots that leap vividly off the blade and are a signature characteristic of this school. The steel has tremendous presence, well worth the time and care that a fresh polish demands.

The full koshirae is an added pleasure. The tsuba carries gold accents emblematic of the Kaga region’s celebrated decorative tradition, and the fuchi-kashira features the much-loved ume (plum blossom) – the flower of peace and good fortune. Kaga school fittings of this quality are rarely found matched to a sword with two certificates. Of additional note: the katana made by the son of this smith (Shirouemon) is Item# UJKA130 – making this a potential father-and-son daisho.