Katana Tamahagane Marked Echizen-no-Kami Fujiwara (Sold)

This piece has found its home. It is kept here as a record of what has passed through our hands.

Item Description:

This is a Japanese Wakizashi crafted by the swordsmith Echizen-no-Kami Fujiwara Yoshikado . The blade exhibits a well-defined hamon (, temper line), characteristic of traditional Japanese swordsmithing techniques. The sword comes in shirasaya (, plain wooden mount), which is commonly used for safe storage and preservation of the blade.

The Wakizashi, a shorter companion sword to the katana, was historically carried by samurai and often used for close combat or as a backup weapon. This piece includes a brass habaki (, blade collar) and is accompanied by an official Japanese sword registration certificate issued in Hiroshima Prefecture.

This authentic piece is an excellent addition for Japanese sword collectors, martial arts practitioners, or historical weapon enthusiasts.

Size:

Total Length: 67.6 cm
Blade Length (Nagasa): 54.5 cm
Moto-haba (Width at Base): 3.1 cm
Moto-gasane (Thickness at Base): 0.7 cm
Condition: scratches

Artist Profile:

Echizen-no-Kami Fujiwara Yoshikado was a swordsmith active during the Edo period, particularly known for producing durable and well-balanced blades. Swords signed with Echizen-no-Kami typically originate from the Echizen province (modern-day Fukui Prefecture), a well-respected sword-making region in Japan.

Echizen-no-Kami Fujiwara Yoshikado – Swordsmith Profile
The works of Echizen-no-Kami Fujiwara Yoshikado were primarily crafted during the mid-Edo period, specifically from the mid to late 17th century (Shōō to Enpō era: 1652–1681). He served as an official swordsmith of the Mito Domain under Tokugawa Mitsukuni, one of the most influential daimyō of his time.

Background & Training
Birthplace: Seki, Mino Province (modern-day Seki City, Gifu Prefecture)
School: Zentei-ha, one of the Seven Schools of Seki
Honorary Title: Echizen-no-Kami
Style: Primarily suguha (straight temper line) with a nie-based structure, featuring finely forged jigane (steel grain)

Career Highlights
Trained in Seki as a disciple of the Zentei Kaneyoshi school for 19 years
Moved to Edo with his younger brother, Musashi-no-Kami Yoshikado (also known as Bokuden)
During the Enpō era (1673–1681), he was officially appointed as a swordsmith for Tokugawa Mitsukuni of the Mito Domain, receiving seven koku of stipend
Also known by the honorary title "Bandō Tarō Nyūdō Bokuden"

Reputation & Legacy
Recognized as a Jō-saku (high-ranking swordsmith) in the Shintō swordsmith rankings
Designated as Wazamono (superior sharpness) for his excellent cutting performance
His existing works range from wakizashi to katana, typically between 54 cm and 72 cm in blade length
Alongside his brother, Musashi-no-Kami Yoshikado (Bokuden), he was regarded as one of the two greatest swordsmiths of Mito
Today, his works are highly valued, with pieces found in museums and auctioned for several million yen

Signature Characteristics of His Blades
Jigane (Steel Grain): Finely forged ko-itame hada (small wood grain pattern)
Hamon (Temper Line): Suguha-based (straight) with nie and small ashi (legs)
Bōshi (Tip Tempering): Rounded return
Nakago (Tang): Most commonly signed "Echizen-no-Kami Fujiwara Yoshikado"

His craftsmanship, historical significance, and association with Tokugawa Mitsukuni make his swords highly regarded among collectors and historians.

NOITICE

Since swords cannot be shipped by air, they will be sent via Japan Post's sea mail. After the auction, we will first obtain an export permit from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, which takes about one month. Following that, the sea shipment will take approximately three months.

Therefore, it will take at least four months from the time of auction to the arrival of the item. Please also be aware that international circumstances, shipping conditions, and customs procedures may cause further delays.

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.

I appreciate your cooperation.

Sold — no longer available.