Antique Japanese Wakizashi, Mumei, Attributed to Tsunahiro (綱廣) — NBTHK Hozon Tōken, from the Historic Odawara Smith Group of the Gohōjō Clan

A powerful hira-zukuri blade with a lively, moist itame-hada and a dynamic gunome-midare hamon mixed with fukuro-chōji and hakomidare, in exceptional polish and condition

We are pleased to present a wakizashi formally certified as Hozon Tōken by the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai), an authentic work attributed to Tsunahiro (綱廣). In exceptional polish and extremely fine condition, it reveals the intricate workings of both the jigane (surface steel) and hamon (temper line) with striking clarity. Inheriting the grand tradition of the Odawara smith group, founded under the patronage of the Gohōjō family, this piece blends powerful historical presence with certified, museum-grade artistic value.

On the smith — Tsunahiro (綱廣)

Tsunahiro was a distinguished lineage of swordsmiths whose activity spanned from the koto period through to the Meiji era. The first-generation Tsunahiro relocated from Kamakura to Odawara during the Sengoku (Warring States) period, laying the foundation of the famous Odawara smith group with the backing of the rising Gohōjō clan. The character "Tsuna" (綱) in his name was in fact personally granted by Ujitsuna, the second head of the Gohōjō family. The second generation was later called upon by Tokugawa Ieyasu, ensuring the lineage continued to flourish through the Edo period and up until the Meiji era.

Workmanship and condition

Carefully polished and exceptionally well maintained, the blade shows no rust or chips, preserving outstanding overall health. The jigane is a well-developed, moist itame-hada (wood-grain pattern), alive with active hataraki (activity) such as yubashiri (spilling nie) and chikei (dark lines within the steel). The hamon is a powerful and highly expressive gunome-midare (irregular clove-shaped pattern), dynamic in structure and interwoven in places with fukuro-chōji (pod-shaped clove motifs) and hakomidare (box-shaped irregularity). A small forged mark on the kissaki (sashi-omote side) serves as a characteristic sign of its traditional hand-forged nature, in no way detracting from the piece's deep aesthetic appreciation.

Form

A dynamic and substantial hira-zukuri wakizashi with a graceful sori (curvature) of 0.8 cm. Its generous yet balanced proportions exude an unmistakable aura of dignity and martial strength, creating an impressive profile that commands attention at a glance.

The mounting (shirasaya)

The blade is housed in a clean, traditional shirasaya (plain wood resting scabbard) that has protected it over generations. Its solid construction and precise fit ensure the pristine state of the steel is preserved for future appreciation.

An antique wakizashi brimming with history, certified by the NBTHK, and kept in such excellent condition — a rare opportunity for collectors, and an enduring masterpiece offered at an extraordinarily accessible value.

Specifications

• Type: Wakizashi (脇差), hira-zukuri with iori-mune; suriage, mumei (unsigned); Koto period
• Smith: Attributed to Tsunahiro (綱廣), of the Odawara smith group founded under the Gohōjō clan
• Jigane: Well-developed, moist itame-hada with active yubashiri and chikei
• Hamon: Powerful gunome-midare, mixed with fukuro-chōji and hakomidare
• Bōshi: Massugu ni haitte ō-maru ni kaeru (enters straight and turns back in a large circle)
• Length of edge (nagasa): 36.8 cm (approx. 14.49 in / approx. 1 shaku 2 sun 1 bu)
• Curvature (sori): 0.8 cm (approx. 0.31 in)
• Weight (blade only): 260 g
• Condition: Well polished; no rust or chips, very healthy overall
• Mounting: Shirasaya
• Certification: NBTHK Hozon Tōken
• Registration No.: Akita No. 20360 (秋田 第20360号)