Japanese, Edo Period Wakizashi with Original Decorated Koshirae, Sukashi Tsuba and Associated Sword Mounting Components

An attractive and original Japanese wakizashi (short sword) retaining substantial elements of its traditional Edo-period koshirae mounts, offered together with its original pierced iron sukashi tsuba and associated sword mounting components. The sword comprises a curved shinogi-zukuri blade with visible hamon, a samegawa-mounted tsuka with decorative dragon fuchi, and a black lacquer saya decorated with gilt ho-o (phoenix) motifs, all displaying pleasing untouched age and patina throughout.

The blade is of classic shinogi-zukuri construction with defined ridge line, graceful curvature and small kissaki, retaining visible temper line detail along the cutting edge. The sword is fitted with a plain brass habaki and housed within its original lacquer saya decorated with repeating gilt cartouche motifs typical of later Edo-period civilian mounts.

The tsuka retains its original samegawa (stingray skin) covering with prominent nodules visible, together with an ornate fuchi featuring dragon decoration with gilt highlights. Included separately is the sword’s original iron sukashi tsuba, finely pierced with stylised mythical beast and foliate decoration in traditional openwork form, retaining traces of gilt highlighting within the recesses and an attractive aged surface throughout.

Also included are additional associated sword mounting components comprising a black sageo cord, wooden mekugi retaining pegs, loose samegawa restoration panels and a damaged copper habaki, all accompanying the sword as found.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 51.3 cm (including habaki area). Overall length: approximately 68 cm. Tsuba diameter: approximately 6.7 cm.

History Note:
The wakizashi formed the shorter companion sword of the daishō worn by the samurai class during the Edo period (1603–1868). Beyond their practical use, wakizashi frequently carried highly decorative koshirae intended to reflect taste, status and symbolism. Decorative fittings such as dragons, phoenix motifs and pierced sukashi tsuba became highly developed art forms during the peaceful Edo era, with many swords remaining in family ownership for generations.

*Condition*
A well-preserved and highly displayable original example showing honest age and wear throughout. The blade displays areas of surface wear, polishing marks and light age-related pitting consistent with age and use, though the hamon remains visible. The tsuka retains its samegawa covering but is missing its outer tsuka-ito wrapping together with several smaller fittings including the kashira and menuki. The tang has not been inspected as the tsuka has not been removed. The lacquer saya shows expected scuffs and age wear but retains its attractive gilt decoration well. The iron sukashi tsuba displays age-related surface oxidation with traces of highlighting remaining within the decoration. Associated loose mounting components are included as found. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.