A Nobukuni Wakizashi (式部丞信国)

This wakizashi was registered in the 26th year of Showa (1951), a submission open only to Daimyo families – great feudal lords – making the registration itself a mark of considerable distinction. Attributed to Yamashiro Shikibunojo Nobukuni, son of the celebrated Saemonnojo Nobukuni, this smith ranks among the finest of his era alongside Bizen’s Morimitsu and Yoshimitsu. Known early in his career as Nobusada, his works span the Oei to Eikyo period (1394-1429).

The hamon is a defining Nobukuni family trait: in places two continuous gunome fuse together to form yahazu (fish-tail shapes), a feature both recognisable and prized. The Nobukuni School was considered one of the finest producers of horimono (blade engravings), and this wakizashi carries a striking long bo-higroove that runs the full length of the blade – an elegant feature that lightens the blade and produces a distinctive sound in motion.

The koshirae is a study in refined craftsmanship. The fuchi-kashira is of shakudo and ishime-ji with gold inlay depicting pine needles and family crest; the menuki shows a traveller on a ship riding the waves of the sea, in shakudo and gold; and the mokko tsuba is of yamagane with sukashi openwork in paulownia flower design. The red saya is woven with hundreds of tiny black lines forming a lucky silk spool pattern. NTHK-NPO Kanteisho certification accompanies the sword.