Description

Popular due to Touken Ranbu Counting from the famous Izumi no Kami Kanesada (Nosada), the Saijo Owazamono of the renowned Mino Seki school currently popular in Touken Ranbu, the 6th generation (5th generation Oshu), Hon Oshu-ju Kanesada, was employed by Hoshina Masayuki of Aizu in Kanbun 6 (1666) (360 years ago). Hoshina Masayuki was the son of the 2nd Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada and the ancestor of Matsudaira Katamori, the Lord of the Aizu Clan at the end of the Edo period. The ancient and famous Kanesada lineage continued in Aizu for eleven generations until the Bakumatsu period. This wakizashi exhibits a magnificent sugata with a wide moto-mihaba, a slight difference between the moto and saki-mihaba, and a moderate sori. The jigane is a finely packed ko-itame hada, and the hamon is a suguha-style tempered in nioi-deki, further elevating its reputation as a sharp-cutting wazamono. The beloved sword of Shinsengumi Vice-Commander Hijikata Toshizo was a katana by the 11th generation Aizu Izumi no Kami Kanesada of this Oshu-ju Kanesada line, and it is still carefully preserved today by the Hijikata family in Hachioji, Tokyo. As the Bakumatsu Aizu Lord Matsudaira Katamori was appointed as the Kyoto Shugoshoku (Protector of Kyoto), it is believed that swords by the Aizu clan smith Kanesada were bestowed as rewards to the Shinsengumi, who were under the Aizu clan's supervision. According to the teachings of the clan founder Hoshina Masayuki, the Aizu clan had a family precept stating that if anything should happen to the main Tokugawa Shogunate family, it was the Aizu clan's duty to stand at the front line and protect the Shogun. During the turmoil of the Bakumatsu period, the Aizu clan followed this precept and shared their fate with the Tokugawa Shogunate. The fierce struggle of the Aizu retainers who defended Aizu Tsuruga Castle and the tragedy of the famous boys of the Byakkotai are still passed down today. This wakizashi is by the 5th generation Aizu Kanesada, who is said to be the most skilled among the Oshu Kanesada line that served as the foundation for the 11th generation Izumi no Kami Kanesada. The luxurious koshirae, adorned with the Maru-ni-Mitsukashiwa (three oak leaves in a circle) mon, clearly indicates that this wakizashi belonged to a high-ranking samurai equivalent to an Aizu clan Karo (elder), adding further splendor to this piece. On this occasion, a special connoisseur has kindly offered to pass this currently popular Oshu-ju Kanesada wakizashi to the next generation at a low price. As there are some minor signs of wear due to age, we are offering it at a special bargain price. Please enjoy this piece.