G5618(W2784)
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Wakizashi signed Zen-hakushu NOBUTAKA Nyudo

Shinto early Edo period (Kanbun era -/circa 1662-) Owari
Length of cutting edge 37.0cm Curvature 0.5cm Width of base 30.4mm Thickness of base 6.0mm

NBTHK(Tokubetsu Hozon) certificate


Blade construction: Hira-zukuri, Iori-mune, Kasane is thick, Mihaba width is wide on base and less tapering toward swelling Fukura. The entire blade is full of brave spirits, strengthened and honored for the Owaza-mono (the best cutting performance award). (click HERE for super sized image of entire blade)
Forging(Hada): Forging mark is basically fine Itame wooden grain using steel of superfine quality with the entire indication of Masame. Hiraji surface is covered with sparkling Nie glitter so called Ji-nie crystallized mist that creates darkish lines of Chikei.
Temper(Hamon): The blade features a "koshiba" with two or three Gunome in a row creating a well-aligned hamon on both sides in general. A high Yakiba in the shape of a kata-ōyahazu (one-sided large arrow notch) is connected with gentle undulating Notare. The dynamic hamon showcases Big Waves Surging and Cresting, interspersed with Tobiyaki (floating hardened spots) resembling water droplets.The hardening Hamon's edge is densely covered with fine Nie, producing an exceptionally bright and sparkling clear appearance. Within the hamon, a deep yet soft Nioi (diffused crystalline structure) spreads, with faint traces of Sunagashi (wispy streaks) while isolated dots of YOU emerge. These freatures results in a richly textured interplay of Nie and Nioi.
Tang(Nakago): UBU, Two peg holes. Slanting left with horizontal Kesho filemarks. Uneven U-shape bottom heel. Flat back ridge. The signature on Omote starts with the retirement pseudonym of Zen-hakushu 前伯州, smith name NOBUTAKA 信高 then Nyudo(a Monk) 入道.

The 2nd generation NOBUTAKA was born in Keicho 8, (1603) as a legitimate child of 1st generation NOBUTAKA 慶遊信高 in Seki-kaji town Kiyosu Owari domain. He had moved to Seki-Kaji town Nagoya (now in Marunouchi 3 chome, Naka-ku, Nagoya) in Nagoya castle relocation , the 2nd month, Keicho 15 (1610). He obtained official district title "Hōki-no-kami" , in the 29th day, 8th month, Kanei 10 (1633) at 31 years old then had exclusively worked for Tokugawa Yoshinao 徳川義直 and the vassals of the Owari Tokugawas with as much as a one hundred koku stipend.
He once announced his retirement in Kanbun 2, at 60 years old in order to abdicate in favor of his son officially but he still remained to the stage with the additionally signed monk name [Nyudō入道] at the end of his signature or add [Zenpakushu 前伯州] title on top. Passed away in the 27th day, 9th month, the 2th year of Genroku (1689), 87 years old.
The 3rd generation NOBUTAKA, Kawamura San-no-sho NOBUTAKA, who was born in the ninth year of Kanei (1632) in Nagoya, Owari, enjoyed Hōki-no-kami title when he was 34 years old at the fifth day, third month, the fifth year of Kanbun (1665). Also he was nominated in the fifth month, the same year, to work for the domain of Owari Tokugawa exclusively by the second feudal lord Tokugawa Mitsutomo 徳川光友.

During Kanbun/Enpo period in the middle of 17th century, there was large demand of swords from Samurais, who preferred stout and best cutting performing blades especially in Owari where Bushido was very vigorous. The smith Nobutaka proudly worked for a Bushido instructor of Owari Tokugawa, Yagyu Renya Shigekane(1625-1694) 柳生連也厳包 and have been prized by Samurais from long ago for their cutting ability as Ōtomo Ōwaza-mono (the best cutting performance).

The subject bold Danbira style wakizashi features a wide Mihaba with a pronounced Fukura that executes the dignity and strength fitting for an Ōwazamono of the Owari samurai. It closely resembles the wakizashi once owned by Yagyū Renya Shigekane 柳生連也厳包, the Bushido master instructor of the Owari domain, inscribed with 「Sanami Sueha Hōki no Kami Nobutaka Saku / Owned by Taira Hisakatsu / Kanbun 7 Autumn, cut through a large momo-akari (test cut name) at one stroke / Two bodies were cleanly severed, with the blade sinking several inches into the ground」 脇指　『三阿弥末派伯耆守信高作　平氏厳包所持之、寛文七秋一之胴奥大桃灯一刃　二津胴快裁落之入平地数寸也』(housed at Kuwana City Museum), is an exceptionally valuable historical artifact.
This is one of the most stunning works which had been treasured by Owari Samurais holding brave spirit, and it is understood that smith Nobutaka 信高 was particularly skilled to meet with their requirement.
Nakago holds a good taste of patina, remains clear filemark and chisel of signature.
Gold Higaki crossing filemark foiled single layer Owari Habaki collar, Preserved in a Shira-Saya plain wood mounting.
An old good polish/Condition scale: excellent (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor).
reference data:
Iwata Atou Owari Tōkōfu 1985 Publisher : Nagoya city Board of Education
Kato Hiroshi Token Bijutsu vol.357 1986 Japan Sword Preservation Society
Wakizashi signed [San-ami Mappa Houki-no-kami Nobutaka saku, Owned by Taira-uji Shigekane, kanbun 7, Autumn, Cut a Ichino-dou body and thigh at once, Two bellys cut through at once over a few SUN down into the ground] possesed by The Kuwana City Museum 脇指　『三阿弥末派伯耆守信高作　平氏厳包所持之、寛文七秋一之胴奥大桃灯一刃　二津胴快裁落之入平地数寸也』