TAIRA SHIZUHISA: A WAKIZASHI IN KOSHIRAE
By Taira Shizuhisa, signed Taira Shizuhisa
Japan, c. 1558-1573, late Muromachi period (1336-1573)

The blade:
Shinogi-zukuri and narrow iori mune, with o-kissaki and broad mihaba. The hamon is suguha in nie-deki with ashi, with prominent nie-utsuri and yakidashi, the hada is itame and o-itame. The nakago is machi-okuri with two mekugi-ana, no discernible yasurime, and mei (signature) reading 平鎮久 Taira Shizuhisa.

The mounting:
The iron tsuba of kurikomo mokko-gata form, with two hitsu and incised decoration, the iron fuchi and kashira similarly decorated, the gilt menuki with kiri mon. The copper habaki is plain. The plain saya is lacquered black.

NAGASA 47.6 cm, LENGTH 71 cm (the koshirae)

Condition: The blade is in good condition with some surface wear as well as minor fukure and ware. The mounts are in very good condition with minor wear, few minuscule nicks, remnants of gilt, and minor losses to lacquer.
Provenance: Hungarian private collection.