Japanese Kanbun-Shinto period (1658 -1683) samurai sword made by 1st generation Yukihiro in the Hizen province. Iron Maru Gata tsuba with engraved landscape decoration. Bronze engraved endcap and collar, both having engraved wave decoration. Black lacquered saya or scabbard and partially bound ray skin handle. Inscribed on the tang. Examined in May 1950 and authenticated by Hakushi Inamu. Framed authenticity certificate included (24 3/4" H x 20 3/4" W). Blade measures 30 3/4" L. 41 1/2" total length. Biography: (Courtesy The Japanese Sword Society of Canada): Yukihiro, born 1617, son of Yoshinobu,younger brother of 1st generation Masahiro, and grandson of 1st generation Tadayoshi. He received his "Dewa Daijo" title in 1648. and "Nokami" in 1663. In 1650 Yukihiro traveled to Nagasaki to study Dutch forging techniques with Tanenaga and Hisatsugu. It is assumed the Yukihiro also studied the Ichimonji technique in Edo with Noriyoshi. Yukihiro became the retained smith of the Nabeshima clan and moved to Nagase. He also lived in Hiroshima for a time and studied with Morifusa. Yukihiro died in 1683 - 3rd year of Tenna. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)

One inconspicuous blade edge nick, approximately 8" down from tip measuring 1/16" x 1/64". Cord wrapping on handle partially missing.