Schwert - Antikes Wakizashi, signiert Hiro (廣), mit schwarzer Lackscheide, vollständige Montierung und Kozuka - Japan - Späte Edo-Zeit

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Important notes – Swords】

・Please note that obtaining the necessary export permit for sword typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks, so kindly be aware of this timeline in advance.
・The following countries prohibit sword imports, so please refrain from bidding. (AUSTRIA, BELGIUM & the UNITED KINGDOM)
・The following countries can be shipped by airmail (GERMANY, FRANCE, POLAND, CROATIA & the UNITED STATES). All other destinations will be shipped by Japan Post seamail (lead time 3 to 4 months), as airlines refuse to carry swords. However, if you require faster delivery, air shipping may be possible through a different carrier for an additional fee, so please contact us.

【Product details】

This is a genuine Edo period wakizashi offered with its complete black lacquer mounting and an especially attractive accompanying kozuka. The tang bears the single-character signature Hiro (廣), and the blade shows a visible hamon.

The black lacquer scabbard gives the mounting a restrained and elegant appearance. The iron sword guard is decorated with carved designs resembling bamboo grass or flowing grasses, motifs often associated with vitality, flexibility, and endurance. The iron fuchi is signed Jōun (乗雲) and is decorated with pine in brass inlay, with a brass rim applied along the top. Pine is a traditional symbol of longevity, steadfastness, and enduring strength. The menuki are formed as peony motifs with brass inlay. In Japanese art, the peony is associated with beauty, dignity, and prosperity.

A particularly appealing feature of this wakizashi is the attached kozuka, the small utility handle fitted into the side pocket of the scabbard. It is decorated with a finely rendered shishi in high-relief silver alloy inlay. The shishi, or lion dog, is a powerful protective motif in Japanese art, symbolising courage, guardianship, and the ability to ward off evil. This detail adds a strong decorative and collector’s appeal to the mounting.

The sword comes with a copy of its Firearms and Swords Registration Certificate, as the original document will be returned to the authorities. It is registered in Osaka (No. 80155) as a wakizashi, with a blade length of 46 cm and curvature of 1.4 cm. It has two peg holes and is signed “Hiro” on front side, with no inscription on the reverse side. The certificate was issued on 15 June, Showa 51 (1976).

The blade is in old polish, and there is wear and minor lineal surface scratching throughout, together with scattered small areas of rust oxidation. The habaki, seppa, and menuki show discolouration. The sword guard and fuchi show rust. The ray skin on one side of the hilt has cracks, and the hilt wrapping also shows age and signs of use. The kozuka has patina and light rust. The sageo cord is discoloured. The black lacquer scabbard shows surface wear, small scratches, several small dents, and some minor areas of lacquer loss and cracking from age. The tassels of the accompanying cloth sword bag are faded. Signature and datation are subject to authentication. Please refer to the photos for details.

Overall length of the blade (including the tang): approx. 59 cm
Overall length including scabbard: approx. 68.5 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!