Wakizashi, O-shuriage, (Taema)
Wakizashi with Shirasaya
blade length 59.7cm, curvature 1.0cm, width at the base
29mm, thickness 8mm
A powerful and healthy wakizashi, shortened to the length
of almost katana size.
It can be attributed to the Taema school in Yamato province
in 14th century.
The blade quality is excellent.
The steel is a large wood grain layer pattern.
It is visible and a little rough. And so is the particles
of steel.
The view brings powerful and wild impression.
The hamon is an irregular pattern, made of nie particles.
The nie particles flow up out of the hamon here and there,
and travel along the layer patterns.
It also look powerful and steady.
This blade has a cutting mark on its back.
It is a pride from the battle field in the past.
And more interesting point is, the cutting mark still
have enemy's edge bitten in it.
The tang is not original.
It was reshaped when the length was shortened.
The shortening work might have done twice or so.
The total character of this blade is powerful and wild,
it must be a good weapon on battle field in old days.
It is appreciated that honest and non decorated attitude
of this blade. It moves our heart so much.
We can't find such good quality blades after 16th century.
Unfortunately, there are some thin scratches on the upper
part of the blade. It came from play of cutting cardboard boxes by the
last owner.
Please never play with such masterpieces, even if you
are so rich.
The habaki is a simple shape of gilded copper. It is
suitable for such a simple blade.
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