Page 95 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

90 | A WAKIZASHI
IN KOSHIRAE

Japan, 17th-18th century,
Edo period (1615-1868)

The blade:
Shinogi-zukuri and iori mune, the
hamon a wider suguha with waves
in some areas and with choji as well
as nioi, the hada is inconsistent with
some itame. The nakago (tang) with
three mekugi-ana, the yasurime is
katte-sagari, the tip is a light kurijiri.
The mounting:
The slightly oval iron tsuba
with both hitsu, decorated with
blossoming plum branches inlaid
in high relief with different metal
alloys. The fuchi also shows plum
blossoms as well as the straw roof
of a fisherman’s hut with a straw
hat below, all with gilt. The kashira
shows a rocky outcrop protruding
into the water with a tree under
the silver moon. The boldly gilt
menuki each show a bird in gnarly
branches, while the kozuka handle
shows birds with some gold
nunome. The saya with powerful
raden, the mother-of-pearl in
silver, green and violet, creating a
beautiful effect reminiscent of a
starry sky. The kurigata with a violet
sageo.
NAGASA 48.2 cm, blade LENGTH
62 cm, total LENGTH 67.7 cm
Condition: The blade is in good
condition with minor surface
wear, the mounting is in very good
condition with traces of wear, the
kogatana (kozuka blade) is missing.
Provenance: Hungarian private
collection.
Estimate EUR 1,500
Starting price EUR 750