剑 - 古脇差 - 签名“Kiyomitsu” (清光) - 完整装配，附签名小柄“Tanba no Kami” - 日本 - Late Edo period

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【Important notes – Swords】

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【Product details】

This is a fine example of an Edo-period Wakizashi, presented in its complete traditional mounting.

The blade is signed “Kiyomitsu.” Based on the chiseling style of the signature, this blade is strongly believed to be from the Kashu (Kaga province / Ishikawa) lineage of Kiyomitsu. The Kashu Kiyomitsu school was a highly respected lineage of swordsmiths that lasted for 12 generations from the Muromachi period through to the late Edo period.

The blade shows visible hada (grain pattern in the steel).

The accompanying kozuka is signed “Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi” (丹波守吉道). Yoshimichi was a master of the Mishina school, originally from Mino and later active in Kyoto. The school continued for at least seven generations during the Edo period. The kozuka is made of copper and decorated with a detailed scene of a scholar or sage resting beneath a tree, with fine metalwork and brass inlay.

The tsuba is a round iron plate with radiating file marks (Amida yasuri). The menuki depict plum blossoms, a motif associated with resilience and renewal, while the fuchi features a bamboo-inspired design, with bamboo symbolising strength and flexibility.

The habaki is made of copper and shows natural age patina.

The sword comes with a copy of its Firearms and Swords Registration Certificate, as the original will be returned to the authorities. It is registered in Akita Prefecture (No. 27498) as a wakizashi, with a blade length of 40.6 cm and curvature of 0.8 cm. It has one peg hole and is signed “Kiyomitsu” on one side of the tang, with no signature on the reverse side. It was originally registered on February 10, 1983, and reissued on April 8, 2025.

There are a couple of extremely small nicks on the cutting edge. The blade is in an overall old polish condition, and the surface shows minor scuffing and fine scratches. The tsuba shows slight looseness. The fuchi shows verdigris. The habaki has minor scratches. The ray skin beneath the tsuka has cracks. The handle wrapping shows dirt and wear, with some areas slightly loose and moving, though it is not unraveling. The black lacquer scabbard shows small scratches, along with cracks in both the lacquer and underlying wood, and several small, hard resin-like deposits on the surface. Signature and datation are subject to authentication. The mekugi has been replaced in modern times. Please refer to the photos for details.

Overall length of the blade (including the tang): approx. 53 cm
Overall length including scabbard: approx. 62 cm

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・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!