T316643(W2895)
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Wakizashi signed Bishu Inuyama-ju YORIHIRO-zou

Shinto early Edo period (Manji era /ca 1658-) Owari
Length of cutting edge 37.5cm Curvature 0.8cm Width of base 32.1mm Thickness of base 7.0mm

NBTHK(Tokubetsu Hozon) certificate


Blade construction: Hira-zukuri with an Iori-mune. Elongated proportions, wide in Mihaba and thick in Kasane. There is a Sakisori upper pointed curve and less degree of tapering from base to the tip of which Fukura is swelling in full giving the blade a powerful, heroic presence. The blade weight including the Habaki is 388 grams giving a solid, substantial feel in hand. (Enlarged blade photographs)
Forging pattern: Itame mixed with streaming Masame ware mostly appears along quenching area as well as the back ridge of Mune, Whitish reflection of Utsuri presents with thick Chikei appearing, forming a strong and resilient forging texture.
Hamon: Starting with shallow Yakidashi on base. A complex mixture of small-gunome, Choji-ha and pointed Togari-ha elements. Along the boundary area of Yaki-gashira, a bit on coarse Nie densely gathers, intertwined with Kinsuji and Sunagashi streams, producing a bright and sharp appearance. Upper the blade, Fukura area there appears isolated temper of Tobiyaki frequently, connecting to Muneyaki to form "Hitatsura"
Bōshi: The temper continues strongly into the point with vigorous Midare, swept forcefully and forming a Chū-maru, with a bit on deeper side return connecting to "Muneyaki".
Tang: Ubu original. The cutting edge-side is slightly beveled in a ship-bottom style, finishing in a Kurijiri heel. File marks is steep Higaki crossing filemarks and the back ridge is a bit contoured where Katte-sagari slanting left Yasurime apperas. One Mekugi-ana. On the Omote side, near the mune, the large chiseled the place of work bears the five-character of the work of place "Bishu Inuyama-ju" 尾州犬山住 then smith name "YORIHIRO-zou" 自広造 in center line.

According to Inuyama Rigoki, YORIHIRO 自広 was born in Seki, Mino Province. His childhood name was “Matahachi 又八” and later he took the name Takagi Seidayū 高木清太夫. Invited by Ishikawa Bizen-no-Kami Sadakiyo 石川備前守貞清, lord of Inuyama Castle, he moved from Seki to the Kaji-machi district of Inuyama in Owari Province.

His early signatures (mei) include “Nōshū-jū Settsu no Kami Fujiwara YORIHIRO” 濃州住摂津守藤原自広 or “Settsu no Kami Fujiwara YORIHIRO” 摂津守藤原自広. After relocating to Inuyama, he inscribed signatures bearing his place of residence, such as “Bishū Inuyama-jū YORIHIRO” 尾州犬山住自広 like this example. The line continued from the second generation in the Meiwa era through the third generation in the Kansei era.

The Hira-zukuri wakizashi described here clearly demonstrates the high quality characteristic of Owari Shintō. It is elongated, with thick Kasane and a wide Mihaba, swelling Fukura, and a pronounced Sakizori, giving it a powerful shape. The forging shows a deeply worked Itame-hada, with Masame grain incorporated along both the Ha-side and Mune-side, where Chikei enter to emphasize the grain, resulting in a robust Jihada.

The Hamon is a vigorous Ō-midare mixed with pointed elements, frequently accompanied by Tobiyaki, forming what is known as “Hitatsura.” The Ha-buchi consists of fine Ko-nie particles, making the temper edge especially bright and clear.

Mounted with a single-layer gold-foiled Habaki and preserved in a plain white scabbard (shirasaya).

References:
Owari Tōkō-fu, Nagoya City Board of Education, March 31, 1984
Inuyama Rigoki, Bunka 14 (1817)