Schwert - Wakizashi – Suriage-Klinge mit Signatur „Ho (伯)“ – Wahrscheinlich Schule Hoki no Kami Nobutaka - Japan - Edo-Zeit (1600-1868)

【Important notes】

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【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). 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 beautiful early Edo period wakizashi with a shortened (suriage) tang retaining the character “伯” (Hō). Most of the original inscription was lost when the blade was shortened. Please note that the sword is not certified. The signature remains subject to authentication. The surviving character may suggest a smith whose honorary title included Hoki, such as the Owari Nobutaka line of Hoki no Kami Nobutaka, although the maker cannot be definitively identified from the remaining inscription alone. The Nobutaka school was an important lineage of Owari Shintō swordsmiths. The shallow curvature gives the blade a particularly refined and disciplined profile reminiscent of Kanbun-period swords of the mid-17th century. The blade displays a clearly visible, lively hamon and flowing grain in the steel.

The complete koshirae (sword mounting) is finished with a glossy black lacquer saya (scabbard) and matching black handle wrapping. The kashira (pommel) is decorated with narcissus flowers in brass inlay and high relief against a dark ground. The fuchi (collar fitting) is worked in shakudō nanako, with finely raised brass decoration including what appears to be a hawk-feather motif and small flower-like ornaments. Through the wrapping, the menuki (handle ornaments) appear to depict three-dimensional brass horses. The iron round tsuba has a copper sekigane insert around the tang opening, with visible adjustment marks. The habaki appears to be made from solid silver with a hammered construction, and the sword is accompanied by a sageo cord.

This wakizashi comes with a photocopy of its Firearms and Swords Registration Certificate from Osaka Prefecture, number 94813, as the original will be returned to the government. The certificate details are as follows: Type: Wakizashi, Length: 45.0 cm, Curvature: 0.6 cm, with two peg holes, and an inscription reading “伯 以下切” on the obverse, indicating that the remaining inscription begins with “伯” and the rest was lost through shortening; no inscription is recorded on the reverse. The certificate was issued on 13 July, Showa 57 (1982).

The wakizashi is in fair to good antique condition. The blade has two extremely small old edge chips, some forging openings, minor surface marks and traces of age. The saya has scratches, small marks, lacquer cracking and areas of loss. The handle wrapping shows some soiling, while the fittings have patina and the tsuba has minor rust. The stand shown in the photographs is not included. Please review all photos for the condition.

Overall length of the blade (including the tang): approx. 58.5 cm
Overall length including scabbard: approx. 67.5 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!