A21592(W5090)
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Wakizashi signed Oite-Nanki SHIGEKUNI kore-wo Tsukuru

The earliest Edo period (Kan'ei era/circa 1624-) Kii
Length of cutting edge 48.0cm Curvature 1.3cm Width of base 31.7mm Width of Yokote 24.3mm Thickness of base 7.5mm

NBTHK(Tokubetsu Hozon) certificate

Blade construction : Heroical Wakizashi of Shinogi-zukuri, rather on higher side Iori-mune. Wide in Minaha, thick in Kasane and abundant volume of Hiraniku holding waist pointed curve near the base with scarce degree of tapering from base to swelling tip that ends in an elongated Ō-kissaki. Entire blade is massively heavy on hand in a highly harmonious manner which was assumed to preferences in swrodsmanship that appeared in the　Keicho - Kan'ei era (1596-) referred to as Keicho-shinto style 慶長新刀姿. (click HERE for higher resolution image)
Forging(Hada) : Jigane steel is well-kneaded Itame-hada that creates some indication of streaming ware on Hiraji and outstanding indication of Masame appears on Shinogi-ji. Entire forging and quenching temper line generates magnificent view against sparkling crystals "Ji-nie" to generate thick gleaming lines of Jet-black luster "Chikei" in light.
Temper(Hamon) : Hamon is dazzling gemlike Suguha with some swelling indication on the strongest side martensite crystals of Nie. Upper the blade, it becomes stronger the sparkling Nie that becomes almost overflowing to Hiraji below Yokote ridge. Entire Nie crystals is uniform to emit flashing light where creates rich activities of Itame-hada such as Jet-black lines of Kinsuji and Hotsure or short lines of Sunagashi. Boundary line glows the brightest flash with martensite crystals of Nie and deep in the Nioi mist-like crystalline area.
Temper of tip(Boshi): Boshi forms like a blaze, stronger and wider in tempering to form Hakikake then medium circle turns back.
Tang(Nakago) : A bit on shorter side Nakago remains original in ship-bottom shape. Yasurime is slightly slanting left Katte-sagari. Back ridge of Nakago is flat with shallow Katte-sagari filemark. The heel shape is shallow U-shape "Kurijiri". One big punch of Mekugi-ana. The signature inscription in front is located upper the Nakago on Shinogi-ji, starts with the place of work Oite Nanki 於南紀 and the name of smith SHIGEKUNI kore-wo Tsukuru 重國造之.

The most famed sword artisan SHIGEKUNI 重國, who ranks as "Saijo-saku" the most superior made, originated in Tegai-school, Yamato province. He reportedly said a younger brother of Washu-Tedai-ju KANEKUNI 和州手掻住包國.
KANEKUNI 包國 and SHIGEKUINI 重國 brothers moved to Sunpu, now in Shizuoka to accept an invitation from the retired Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu 徳川家康 on about Keicho 15 (1610) and both of them worked together performing Yamato tradition exclusively for Tokugawa Ieyasu 徳川家康 with colleagues smiths YASUTSUGU 1st 越前康継 and Noda HANKEI 野田繁慶.
In Gen'na 5 (1619), SHIGEKUNI 重國, he went up to Wakayama castle town in attendance upon the occasion of territorial exchange of Tokugawa Yorinobu 徳川頼宣 (10th son of Tokugawa Ieyasu) from Shizuoka to Wakayama as much as annual 60-koku stipend to be a exclusive service of Kishu Tokugawa family, one of the 3 major branches of Tokugawa clan founded in 1619.

SHIGEKUINI 重國 mostly observed a traditional manner of former YAMATO school practice and the most celebrated in the Keicho era. Many Wakizashi swords were made bravely wide than the others like this example.
In view of this wakizashi, boundary line Hamon follows precedent Yamato tradition noticeably to remind one of the Tegai works from Kamakura period and further in creating innovative Soushu tradition to generate the most splendid workmanship among similar works in Keicho era.
This extraordinary Wakizashi which is traced back on after Gen'na 5 (1619) was made in Wakayama castle town to the order of Tokugawa Yorinobu 徳川頼宣. In detailed view on Jigane skin, it is forged as Itame-hada under Soushu technique using super fine steel then performing Yamato-Tegai quenching technique to create an extra-brilliant quenching Hamon. The original Nakago creates unique shape that tapers toward the heel and clear file mark that maintains in excellent taste of patina in 400 years. The typical clear inscription signature adds historical value as well.
This Wakizashi is massively heavy on hand, quite healthy in almost mint condition that stands high in Tokugawa master's favor.
Recent excellent polish/Condition scale: mint-excellent (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor)
Wooden Habaki(no metal Habaki is included), preserved in Shira-saya with Sayagaki
reference data :
HONMA Junji, SATO Kan'ichi, Nihonto Taikan, Otsuka kougei-sha, 1966
HUNMA Kunzan, ISHII Masakuni, Nihoto Meikan, Yuzankaku, 1975