Wakizashi signed by Wazamono rated smith Bushu-ju Ishido Hata MORIHISA
with) Black brush mark lacquered scabbard Wakizashi koshirae
Shinto Early Edo period (Keian era circa 1648-51) Bushu
Length of cutting edge : 55.1cm Curvature : 1.2cm Width of base : 32.3mm Width of Yokote : 22.2mm Thickness of base : 7.5mm
Forging(Hada): Forging mark is fine and displays minute Ko-Itame. Sparkling hard metal granules "Ji-nie" vividly appear on Hira-ji surface and delicate lines of Nie so called "CHIKEI" activity wells out from steel.
Temper(Hamon): Hamon is tight Nioi based straight Suguha with shallow wave with detailed indication of Hotsure fray and small Gunome lines around upper Monouchi area on front. The interior of temper is filled with mist-like crystallize area with slight ASHI feet activities.
Tang(Nakago): The Nakago is UBU original with double bevelled (Kurijiri) heel in full. One peg hole and slanting right (O-sujikai) filemarks. The back ridge of the Nakago shows rounded contours with O-sujikai filemarks. The inscription on the Hakiomote front side is eight characters that starts with the place of work Bushu-ju 武州住 then the smith name Ishido Hata MORIHISA 石堂秦守久. The nakago is well-preserved with nice taste of patina, displaying clear chisel and finemarks.
This is a robust wakizashi from Keian era in the middle of 17th century forged by a famous swordsmith MORIHISA 守久 who lived in Edo (present-day Tokyo). His layman's name was Ishido Hachisaemon-no-jo MORIHISA 石堂八左衛文尉守久.
According to a transmission, MORIHISA originally came from Owari (present-day Nagoya) and was a relative of Higo-no-kami Hata MITSUHIRO 肥後守秦光代. He belonged to Mitsuhira 光平 branch of Edo Ishido school 江戸石堂派. Ninonto Meikan writes about the recognized date of year such as Keian 1 (1648), 3 (1650) or Sho'ou 3 (1654).
He became a monk under his secular name of To'ren 東蓮 in Enpo 4 (1676) to alter his inscription such as to Bushu-ju Ishido Hata To'ren 武州住石堂秦東蓮.
His style usually features heavily built massive swords that would be modeled after one of his master MITSUHITA 光平 and minutely fine steel forging which performs well with a sharp cutting result "Wazamono" rating.
This is a good example of his sword that he had good reputation to meet with severe requirement from brave Samurais, not only outstanding cutting performance but also a fine art.
Black brush mark lacquered scabbard Wakizashi koshirae consists of :
All metal fittings of Fuchi, Kashira, Kuchi-kanagu, Kurikata and Kojiri : Iron ground Polish surface with embossed crest carving and gold inlay Kuyo-mon crest and geometric tre-circles emblem, of which Fuchi signed Tesshin-ken YOSHIHISA-saku 鉄心軒 善久作.
Tsuba : Decorative ball design, Round shape, Sukisage style carving, Gold Iroe inlay signed as Takahashi Masatsugu (seal) 高橋正次（花押).
Futatokoro-mono (Kozuka/Kogai) : Brass ground, design of Fujimi Saigyo journey, Takabori carving Iroe inlay, unsigned.
Menuki : A pair of Kuyo family crest. Copper ground, Yobori, Gold Iroe inlay.
Tsuka (hilt) : White layskin, black silkcord Tsumamimaki style logenze wrap.
Recent high quality polish, preserved in Shirasaya plain wood mounting
Condition scale: mint-excellent (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor)
