TADAYOSHI: WAKIZASHI IN KOSHIRAE, EDO PERIODJapan, Edo period, c. 18th centuryBladeShinogi-tsukuri with one iori mune, gunome-midare hamon with transition to suguha hamon. The nakago is ubu with one mekugi ana, the yasurime is sujikai, kuri jiri. The mei reads HIZEN KUNI JU TADAYOSHI. The Tadayoshis were the best-known swordsmiths, existing for ten generations between the 16th and late 19th century, in the province of Hizen, located in northern Kyushu.MountingCircular iron tsuba with one hitsu. Iron fuchi and kashira showing various insects in raised relief, partly gilded. Bronze menuki with blossoms, also partly gilded. The black-lacquered saya has a leathery texture.Dimensions: NAGASA 53 CM, TOTAL LENGTH IN KOSHIRAE 78.6 CMCondition: The blade worn with limited corrosion, surface scratches and blemishes – however overall in good condition. The lacquered saya extensively worn in some areasProvenance: Hungarian private collection