A Sukekuni Wakizashi (備前守源助国)

Sukekuni was one of the finest swordsmiths of the Kii Ishido School in Osaka, having trained under the highly respected smith Bitchu no Kami Yasuhiro. This is a healthy, well-preserved sword in its original shape (ubu nakago), fully signed and carrying all the hallmarks that define a quality Edo-period Osaka blade.

The hamon is the centrepiece: a spectacularly skilled gunome choji majiri, a temper line of clove blossoms waving in a random, dynamic pattern along the cutting edge. Against a tight ko-itame jihada, it presents with clarity and confidence. The o-sujikai yasuri on the nakago is clean and precise – the mark of a smith who took pride in his work from tip to tang.

The dochuzashi koshirae is a fascinating and rare ensemble. “Dochu” meaning “while on a journey”, this type of outdoor mounting was built for travel in all conditions, reinforced to protect the sword and serve as defence in any encounter. The matching shinchu (brass) fittings are beautifully crafted – and notable: brass was more expensive than gold to produce during the Edo period, meaning only a Samurai of elite status or a very wealthy merchant could have commissioned these mounts. Note also the unique full moon depicted on the habaki – an unusually poetic detail. NTHK-NPO Kanteisho certification accompanies the sword.