Wakizashi – Shimosaka – Genroku Period – 1651 – 1709

This is a traditionally mounted blade in black Saya, wonderful open work tsuba of warriors gambling ( signed ) and matching , signed, fuchi & kashira. There is a Kodzuka in the saya pocket as well. The blade is in new polish and has been awarded Shintei-sho papers from the NBTHK which assigns the blade to sword smith SHIMOSAKA, Etchizen province, Genroku period ( 1651 – 1709 ). The blade is 21 & 7/8 inches along the cutting edge and has a wide suguha hamon. The Tsuba inscription reads; Nyodu Soten Sei , Soheishi, which means that the tsuba was made by a famous smith with the Buddhist art name Soten with the personal name ( first name ) Soheishi. This smith lived in the city of Hikone, Omi province. The Fuchi and Kashira were also made by Soten. The fuchi translates as; Goshu Hikone Ju Soheishi Soten. ” made by the smith art name Soten with the personal name Soheishi while living ( Ju ) in the province Omi in the town of Hikone”.  From the Ed Hollenbeck collection.