A Chiyozuru School O-Wakizashi (千代鶴)

During the turbulent mid-Nambokucho period (1338-1367), Japanese smiths forged long tachi of imposing presence – broad in the mihaba, dramatic in the o-kissaki, and built for a world at war. Many such blades have since been shortened to suit later tastes, and this exceptional o-wakizashi is one of them. What remains is 57cm of beautifully preserved Koto-period steel, still carrying a strong, healthy and elegant curvature despite the dramatic shortening it has undergone.

The Chiyozuru School was founded by Chiyozuru Kuniyasu – “Chiyozuru” being his nickname – who left Kyoto in 1337 seeking water suitable for sword forging and settled in Echizen province. He had studied under Rai Kuniyasu, and the connection to that prestigious Kyoto lineage is perceptible in the sophistication of the work. First generation Morihiro, considered the son of Rai Kuniyasu, is sometimes referred to as “Echizen Rai”. The number of confirmed works from this school is small, making any genuine example a significant find.

The gunome midare hamon is packed with brilliant hataraki: kinsen (golden lines) and sunagashi (streaks of sand) in hachu, a display of technical vitality that speaks to a polished tradition. The vintage NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho certificate from 1969 confirms the attribution and grants the sword Especially Precious status. When the Meiji period ended the Samurai sword tradition, Echizen smiths channelled their skills into kitchen knives – a tradition of excellence that continues to this day.