Antique Japanese Wakizashi, Attributed to Ōmi Daijō Tadahiro (近江大掾忠広, 2nd-Generation Hizen Tadayoshi) — NBTHK Hozon Tōken, with a Rare Ō-bōshi Tip and Historic Suriage Inscription

A refined naka-suguha over a fine, dense konuka-hada, distinguished by a prominent ō-bōshi tip and a tang inscription documenting its custom shortening by Yukikiyo at the request of the Sagara family

We are pleased to present an extraordinary and exceptionally rare Hizen wakizashi, crafted during the Kan'ei era of the early Edo period. Certified by the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai) with Hozon Tōken papers, the blade is attributed to the legendary second-generation Hizen master, Ōmi Daijō Tadahiro (近江大掾忠広).

On the smith — Ōmi Daijō Tadahiro (近江大掾忠広)

The son of Tadayoshi (a star pupil of Umetada Myōju and founder of the renowned Hizen school), Tadahiro assumed leadership of the school in 1632 at just 19 years old, following his father's passing. He received the prestigious title of Ōmi Daijō in 1641, and enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over six decades until his death in 1693. Among all Hizen swordsmiths, Tadahiro produced the greatest number of celebrated masterworks.

Workmanship and condition

The blade has been polished and is in superb, flawless condition across both surfaces, exhibiting only a minute, faint surface scratch on the mine (spine). The jigane showcases a beautifully fine, dense konuka-hada (ko-itame mixed with subtle mokume), rich in ji-nie. The hamon is a refined naka-suguha (medium-width straight temper line) with deep nioi, exuding quiet elegance and craftsmanship. Of particular distinction is the prominent ō-bōshi (large tip temper), giving the blade an imposing, dignified presence.

Form

This shinogi-zukuri wakizashi, with an iori-mune (peaked ridge back), carries a nagasa (edge length) of 48.1 cm and a graceful sori (curve) of 1.0 cm, tapering from a motohaba of 29.1 mm to a sakihaba of 25.5 mm — a well-balanced, dignified form.

The nakago and historical inscription

The nakago (tang) is suriage (shortened) and features three mekugi-ana (peg holes). The sashi-omote (front) reads "Hizen-koku jū..." (肥前国住...), with the lower characters shortened during the alteration process. The sashi-ura (back) is inscribed with a unique historical engraving added post-alteration: "Ganso Tadayoshi Sagara-shi irai Ichimonji Yukikiyo kore wo suriageru." This documents that the original work by the first-generation Tadayoshi was custom-shortened by Yukikiyo at the request of Mr. Sagara, offering invaluable historical provenance.

The mounting (shirasaya)

The blade is housed in a shirasaya (plain wood resting scabbard).

An extremely rare ō-bōshi wakizashi by Tadahiro, complete with high historical value through its custom-commissioned tang inscription. Opportunities to acquire Hizen blades of this pedigree and historic significance are exceptionally rare.

Specifications

• Type: Wakizashi (脇差), shinogi-zukuri with iori-mune; suriage, zaimei (signed, shortened); Kan'ei era (early Edo, Shintō)
• Smith: Attributed to Ōmi Daijō Tadahiro (近江大掾忠広, 2nd-generation Hizen Tadayoshi), Hizen Province
• Signature (mei): Front: "Hizen-koku jū..." (肥前国住...) [suriage-mei]; Back: "Ganso Tadayoshi Sagara-shi irai Ichimonji Yukikiyo kore wo suriageru" (historical suriage inscription)
• Jigane: Konuka-hada (tight ko-itame with mokume), rich in ji-nie
• Hamon: Naka-suguha with deep nioi
• Bōshi: Massugu ni haitte ō-maru ni kaeru (ō-bōshi)
• Length of edge (nagasa): 48.1 cm (approx. 18.94 in / approx. 1 shaku 5 sun 9 bu)
• Curvature (sori): 1.0 cm (approx. 0.39 in)
• Width at base (motohaba): 29.1 mm (approx. 1.15 in)
• Thickness at base (motokasane): 5.4 mm (approx. 0.21 in)
• Width at tip (sakihaba): 25.5 mm (approx. 1.00 in)
• Thickness at tip (sakikasane): 4.7 mm (approx. 0.19 in)
• Peg holes (mekugi-ana): 3
• Weight (blade only): 470 g
• Condition: Superb, flawless; minute faint scratch on the mine only
• Mounting: Shirasaya
• Certification: NBTHK Hozon Tōken
• Registration No.: Kochi No. 2142 (高知 第2142号)