H12038(W5048) Wakizashi unsigned attributed to Shitahara TERUSHIGE	NBTHK(HOZON)
Koto End of Muromachi period (Eiroku era about 450 years ago) Bushu Length of cutting edge37.9cm Curvature0.9cm Width of base31.9mm Thickness of base4.7mm
Blade construction : Hira zukuri Gyo-no-mune, Mihaba is wide and is less in Hiraniku. There is a bit deep upper pointed curvature, rich and full in upper Morouchi area, leading to a large tip. The entire blade has a dignified bearing heroic impression. The front is curved the teachings of Buddhism [the Lotus Sutra] and revesed side is simplified Kurikara/Dragon carvings.(click HERE for higher resolution of entire blade) Forging (Hada) : Hada is conspicuous itame wooden marks, mixing in with Brul (Mokume) which is covered in thick Ji-nie glitter hard metal granules. Chikei (darkish Nie-lines) generates beauty of forgings impressively. Temper line (Hamon) : Hamon is Nie-based, Wavy (Notare), Togari sharpened Gumome, box-shape, which varies in shape and height, temper line is active with Hotsure (fray) activity and Niju-ha (double layered temper) and Yubashiri (temper flows over the surface). Temper is entirely vivid and bright. Temper of tip (Boshi) : Temper line of the tip irregularly sharpened up then deeply turns back. Tang (Nakago) : Nakago is Tanago-shape.Three peg holes. Kuri-jiri round heel. Hachiouji-city in Tokyo, used to be a domain by the general Takeda Shingen in the Warning states period, 16th century, Smith Chikashige or Chikahiro, who were pupils of Tunahiro in Odawara, Soushu province, had moved as frontiers to establish Shitahara school. They had mostly served for generals such as Takeda, Houjou and Uesugi. The entire blade is freshly polish recently and gives off the possible best beauty of forging scene to hold herioc original shape and also recall the deep faith for Buddhism by Samurais. Copper habaki collar, set in an old restored shirasaya plain wooden mouonting.