A68383(W2785)
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Wakizashi signed Hida-no-kami UJIFUSA

Shinto Momoyama period (Tensho 20th - Kan'ei 8th/1592-1631) Owari
Length of Cutting edge 30.8cm Curcature 0.2cm Width of Base 28.9mm Thickness of Base 5.6mm

NBTHK(Hozon) certificate

Sugata(configuration) : Hira-zukuri, Ior-mune construction, The cutting edge measures rather on longer side 30.8cm. Wide in Mihaba, almost no-curve, a bit on thicker side in Kasane and upper Fukura is swelling where this geometry appears on the Momoyama period to perform the most supreme cutting as well as stabbing purpose as a supplementary usage for a long Katana.(click HERE for higher resolution image)
Kitae(forging pattern) : Kitae forging pattern is outstanding Itame wooden hada generally with the indication of streaming Masame ware that appears mostly along the back ridge of Mune. Sparkling Ji-Nie attaches over Hiraji and thick lines of Chikei-activity is perceived.
Hamon(tempering pattern) : Hamon quenching state is rather on stronger side "Nie-deki". Notare undulating mixing with Gunome-midare.
Boshi (tip): Wide in temper at boshi tip which is small circle turns back deeply on the back ridge of Mune.
Nakago(tang) : The Nakago is an original UBU of which shape is a bit curved "Funazoko" ship-bottom shape and double bevelled U-shape heel. Deep at the tempered starting point "Ha-machi". File marks "Yasurime" is slanting left "Katte-sagari" and the back ridge of Nakago is flat. Two Mekugi-ana retaining holes.
The entire Nakago preserves an excellent taste of patina from mid 16th C. The inscription "Hida-no-Kami Ujifusa" 飛騨守氏房 is engraved with bold and vigorous chisel strokes.

Hida-no-kami UJIFUSA 飛騨守氏房, real name of initially Kawamura Isechiyo 河村伊勢千代, later changed to Kawamura Heijuro 河村平十郎, was born in the 10th year of Eiroku(1567).
His father Wakasa-no-kami Ujifusa 若狭守氏房 won the praise from the daimyo Oda Nobunaga 織田信長 to exclusively belong to him. In the 5th year of Tensho (1577), Hida-no-kami Ujifusa 飛騨守氏房 moved to Azuchi castle town in Oumi province along with his father Wakasa-no-kami Ujifusa 若狭守氏房 to work exclusively as a page of Oda Nobutaka 織田信孝 who is the 3 rd son of Oda Nobunaga.
After the Incident at Honno-ji (本能寺の変, Honno-ji no Hen) referred to the forced suicide in the 21th day, the sixth month, the 10 th year of Tensho (1582) of Oda Nobunaga, UJIFUSAs parent and son returned to his home town Gifu with Oda Nobutaka's 織田信孝 help then again came back to Kiyosu castle town under the support of Sakuma Masakatsu 佐久間正勝.
After his father Wakasa-no-kami Ujifusa 若狭守氏房 passed away in the 11 th day, the 5 th month, 18 th year of Tensho (1590), he learned from his uncle Nobutaka 信高 of 1 st generation and officially enjoyed Hida-no-kami 飛騨守 title in the 11 th day, the 5 th month, 20 th year of Tensho (1592).
On after Nagoya castle relocation in 1610, he moved from Kiyosu to Kaji town, in Nagoya (now in 3 chome Marunouchi,Naka-ku) then was in retirement 1631 to yield his position as head of the Ujifusa to his eldest son - the 3 rd generation Bizen-no-kami Ujifusa 備前守氏房.
Hida-no-kami Ujifusa 飛騨守氏房 was passed away in the same year in 1631, was 65 years old.
The subject extended Tanto with a length of just over one shaku features a robust Hira-zukuri shape. The well-harmonized Koshi-hi groove and a Gomabashi carving that extends onto the tang, along with a Hamon combining undulating and gunome patterns, reminiscent of the craftsmanship of Soshu Sadamune. It showcases the refined construction characteristic of the styles popularized during the Momoyama period and is an exceptional piece, passed down as an ordinary cherished waist dagger of a high-ranking Owari samurai.
Double layers Owari-style Habaki collar, preserved in a Shirasaya plain wood mounting
reference : Iwata Atou, Owari Toko-fu, Nagoya citry Board of Education, 1984