A Hizen wakizashi | Signed Shinju no kami Kunihiro | Edo period, dated Keicho juyonen (1609)

The Property of a Gentleman

A Hizen wakizashi

Signed Shinju no kami Kunihiro

Edo period, dated Keicho juyonen (1609)

Sugata [configuration]: Shinogi-zukuri, shallow tori-zori, okissaki

Kitae [forging pattern]: Tight ko-itame and mokume hada 

Hamon [tempering pattern]: Irregular gunome with ashi and yo

Boshi [tip]: Rounded kaeri

Nakago [tang]: Two mekugi-ana, signed Shinju no kami Kunihiro and dated Keicho joyonen hachigatsu hi (A day in August 1609) 

Habaki [collar]: Silver-gilt clad 

Koshirae [mount]: The katana saya decorated on an irregularly-shaped sparse silver nashiji ground, ribbed to the upper section, iron kojiri, the fuchi with gold and silver inlays of plum blossom and pine needles a nanako ground, the pierced tsuba with cherry blossom and maple leaves, inlaid in silver with scrolls to the rim

Nagasa [length from kissaki to machi]: 65.4 cm., 23¾ in. 

Saki-haba [width at the yokote]: 2.2 cm., ⅞ in. 

Moto-haba [width at the machi]: 3 cm., 1⅛ in. 

The koshirae: 96 cm., 38 in.