武士刀 - 鋼, 玉钢 - NBTHK 特别刀剑 - Kunishige (国重) - 脇差 - 日本 - 江戶時代（1600-1868）

NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Shinto Wakizashi in Shirasaya

Blade era: Early Edo Period (around 1685 AD)

Signature: Yamashiro Daijo Minamoto Kunishige (山城大掾源国重)

Nagasa (cutting edge): 34,4 cm

The history of the name Yamashiro Daijo Minamoto Kunishige is linked to the Mizuta school of Bitchu province (present-day Okayama Prefecture), a dynasty of blacksmiths that flourished between the late Sengoku period and the mid-Edo period (circa 1530-1700). The Mizuta school was founded by the descendants of the renowned blacksmith Ko Aoe Tametsugu at the end of the Muromachi period. The name "Kunishige" was the most prestigious within the school and was granted only to the most skilled masters.

The specific smith cited in the certificate is Otsuki Ichizo, the first generation to hold the title Yamashiro Daijo. Rise: He was the younger brother of Otsuki Yogoro Kunishige, the head of the Mizuta school.
Career: Initially active in Bitchu, he later moved to Edo (present-day Tokyo), giving rise to the branch known as "Edo Mizuta".
Awards: He received the prestigious honorary title of Yamashiro Daijo in 1645 (second year of the Shoho era) for the superior quality of his blades.

The blades forged by this dynasty are famous for their "wild" and powerful aesthetic: Hamon: They often feature an irregular temper line (Gunome Midare) with abundant formations of large martensite crystals (Ara-nie). Value: The Tokubetsu Kicho certificate (visible in your photo) is issued by the NBTHK. This is an old paper. The attribution remains subject to authentication by current standard.

Blade characteristics: His works are appreciated for the irregular hamon (tempering line) rich in "ara-nie" (large martensite crystals), which give the sword a powerful and "wild" appearance.

In short, you own a piece of 17th century history, forged by a master who helped bring the Mizuta school style to the heart of shogunal power in Edo.


Attachments:
- The accompanying document is a old Tokubetsu Kicho (Blade Especially Worthy of Preservation) type certificate, which attests to the high historical and artistic value of the piece issued by NBTHK (Japanese Sword Preservation Society). Yet, this kanteisho being old, the attribution remains subject to authentication by modern standard.
- Silk bag


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