A39464(W1805)
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Wakizashi signed Yamato-no-kami Minamoto YASUMICHI

Shinto eraly Edo period (Kanbun era/ca1661-） Owari
Length of cutting edge 54.8cm Curvature 1.3cm Width of base 33.7mm Width of Yokote 24.2mm Thickness of base 7.2mm

NBTHK(Hozon) certificate


Blade construction : Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune, Wide in Mihaba, thick in Kasane holding less degree of tapering from base to extended medium Kissaki. Heroically heavy on hands (588grams without habaki)。（click HERE for higher resolution of the blade)
Forging (hada) : Fine Mokume-hada whereas the Shinogi-ji shows Masame-hada. Hiraji-surface is convered with sparkling Ji-nie glitter where works with darkish grain mark of Chikei-activity.
Boshi : Temper of tip forms a Gunome at Yokote line, then becomes straight line along Boshi and medium circle turns back a bit on longer side.
Nakago : UBU original, One peg hole. Greatly slainting left O-sujikai Yasurime file marks and back ridge is flat where greatly slanting left ?-sujikai file mark apperas. The heel of Nakago forms uneven V-shaped Ha-agari Kengyo. On the obverse side near the ridge (mune), there is a long signature inscribed "Yamato-no-kami Minamoto YASUMICHI" 大和守源康道.

Yamato-no-Kami Minamoto Yasumichi 大和守源康道 was the illegitimate son of the first-generation Keichō smith Takamichi 貴道, and his given name was Niwa Kinzaemon 丹羽金左衛門. At first, he signed his name as Minamoto TAKAMICHI 源貴道. Later he became a student of Kawachi-no-Kami Yasumichi 河内守康道 in Osaka. Upon returning to his hometown, he was appointed to serve the Owari Tokugawa family with a stipend for five retainers.
He established his studio in Isemachi, Nagoya and received the honorary title of Yamato no Kami 大和守, changing his name to Yasumichi 康道. According to the Owari Tōkōfu, there are dated works from the 2nd, 7th, 8th, and 11th years of the Kanbun era and some are said to bear supplementary inscriptions such as “Made with Nanban iron” 『以南蛮鉄作之』.

During the Kan’ei to Enpō eras, there was a high demand for swords. In Owari Province, where martial arts flourished, there was especially a preference for sturdy sword forms. As a result, his works are characterized by wide blades, with prominent cutting areas that curve to an extended medium tip, forming a dignified and imposing shape. They exude the prestige of a masterwork befitting the warriors of Owari.
The file marks on the tang and the chisel work of the signature are clearly preserved, and both the Jigane and Hamon remain vibrant and sharp.

Fitted with silver-foiled double layer Owari-style Habaki collar, preserved in Shirasaya.
reference:
Owari Tōkōfu (Genealogy of Owari Swordsmiths), Nagoya City Board of Education, March 31, 1984 (Showa 59)