Sadahiro Japanese Wakazashi Shinto Period Circa 1625-1644 Owari Den

Custom Knife by: Sadahiro
Photo By: Michael Donato

Sadahiro Japanese Wakazashi Shinto Period Circa 1625-1644 Owari Den. This Japanese Wakashi was attributed to Sadahiro by the NBTHK society. The sword is Mumei "unsigned" and was more than likely shortened when the Japanese started fighting in castles. Prior to fighting in castles Katana swords were used to fight on horse back. Due to the length of the Katanas it was impractical to use them in close quarter fighting. It was very common for the Katanas to be cut down and made into Wakazashis there by removing the signature.

A number of great Japanese sword smiths worked in the Owari Tradition. At the end of the Muromachi Period (1500-1580) a number of good smiths left the Mino provenience for Owari (Famous for being the birth place of Oda Nobunaga) who was a famous Shogun.

Sadahiro swords are made in the shobu-zukuri design which was the most popular designs. He forged to achieve kitae- itame grain (tight knit wood grain pattern) and created a gunome - midare (cloud like pattern) hamon. Highlighted in his work was the shadowing of the hamon called "utsuri" a very difficult attribute to achieve in the steel.

The NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai / Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword) attributed this sword to Sadahiro, a famous smith listed in "Hawleys" ref. Sadahiro 377. Hawleys is the Japanese guide book to famous smiths of different eras. The book it is indicates the proficiency and time period the smith worked in. Only important smiths are listed in Hawleys.

This sword comes complete with the NBTHK papers indicating its authenticity and declaring it a precious sword. The Wakazashi also comes with an every day carry knife and a hair pin which are stored in the Saya. The piece was owned by the Museum of Art in New York and was sold to make room, when very expensive swords were featured about three years ago.

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