A Masakuni Wakizashi (肥後国正国)

This distinctive wakizashi is attributed to Masakuni, the 4th-generation descendant of Masayoshi – known as Taira no Masayoshi – in the Satsuma region. A rarely encountered swordsmith, his work reflects the strong Dotanuki School influence that shaped Satsuma sword-making during the Edo period: a tradition of blades forged in the Bizen manner but with the cutting reliability that the Dotanuki School had earned legendary status for since the mid-1500s. These smiths made blades that endured gruelling battlefield conditions year after year.

The workmanship here is of the highest order. Beautifully finished in a traditional sashikomi polish, the blade displays a gunome choji midare hamon filled with ashi activity – clove blossoms rendered in direct homage to the Bizen tradition from which the Dotanuki School drew its inspiration. The steel is extremely healthy.

The koshirae is a treat in its own right. The saya is decorated in lacquered mother-of-pearl, the fittings carry a dragon theme throughout, and the habakiis a uniquely crafted gold piece in the form of a sensu (Japanese fan) – an extraordinary detail that elevates an already exceptional sword into something truly memorable. This piece carries two NTHK-NPO Kanteisho certificates covering both the sword and the fittings.