Japan, Empire. A 17th Century (Edo Period) Wakizashi by Tanba-no-Kami Yoshimichi

A Japanese Wakizashi of the Edo Period (specifically Osaka Shinto period of 1596-1781), measuring 495 mm in total length including the tang, with a blade length of 380 mm from the tip to the hamachi (notch of sharp edge). The blade features a sharp kissaki (point) with gentle sori (curvature) and sharp ha (cutting edge) with several small notches along the blade’s ha. 

The tang bears a single mekugi-ana (rivet hole) which appears to have been larger and filled and re-pierced. The Mei on the tang is that of Tanba-no-Kami Yoshimichi (丹波守吉道), a renowned master swordsmith.

The two thin seppas (washers) sit between the throat of the blade and the iron tsuba, which features a large simple floral pattern with a kozuka hitsu-ana and central nakago-ana with sekigane (filler), a golden mimi (rim) surrounds the tusba. The tsuka (handle) is wood covered in samegawa (ray skin), wrapped in a black ito (handle cord) with matching blackened copper fuchi and koshira depicting floral and geometric patterns, and a menuki (ornament) on each side under the ito. The Tsuka bears sections of rayskin loss and and torn/split ito, with a single mekugi (peg) to attach the handle to the tang. Inclusive of the tsuka, the wakizashi measures 550 mm in total length. 

Accompanied by a saya (scabbard) in very light wood covered in back lacquer with a korikata (knob) near the throat, measures 480 mm (l) x 40 mm (w), exhibiting a notable crack at the throat, otherwise near very fine. 

Footnote: This blade was signed by Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi (丹波守吉道), born Mishina Kinuemon (三品金右衛門), an early Edo-period swordsmith active in Osaka during the mid- to late 17th century. He was a leading member of the Osaka Mishina school, one of the era’s most prestigious traditions.

His work is classified as Osaka Shinto, a term for swords forged in Osaka between 1596 and 1781. The first-generation Osaka Yoshimichi was born in 1598, the second son of the first-generation Kyo Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi of Kyoto, from whom he first learned the craft. After receiving the honorific title Tanba no Kami, he relocated to Osaka during the Seiho era (1644–1648). Especially active during the Jo-ō era (1652–1655), he established himself as an independent swordsmith and helped spread the Mishina school’s reputation throughout Osaka.