Description

It has arrived, it has arrived—a highly popular *meiwakizashi* by the third generation Kanemoto, accompanied by luxurious *koshirae* handed down through a *daimyo* family. The world-renowned Magoroku Kanemoto was the second generation of the Kanemoto family and the creator of the world-famous *sanbonsugi* *hamon*, making his works a target of envy for sword enthusiasts. This *wakizashi* is by the third generation Kanemoto from around the Tenbun era of the Muromachi period (1543) (482 years ago). It is a Kanemoto from the exact time when firearms were introduced to Tanegashima from Portugal. The *sugata* displays a *wakizashi* form with a noticeable difference between the *motohaba* and *sakihaba*, with the *haniku* thinned down. The *jigane* is *itame-hada* mixed with *mokume-hada*, showing *midare-utsuri* in the *ji* with *ji-nie*. There is some *ohada* due to changes over the years, but that is part of the charm of its age. The *hamon* is *nioi-deki* with *ko-nie*, firing the characteristic *sanbonsugi* of Kanemoto, providing much to appreciate. Since the Sengoku period, Kanemoto has been extremely famous as an *o-wazamono* known for cutting exceptionally well. The "Ninenbutsu Kanemoto" of the Kaga Maeda family is a famous sword named for its incredible sharpness—it is said the opponent did not even realize they had been cut until they had finished reciting a Buddhist prayer (*nenbutsu*) twice. With many famous named blades (*meibutsu*) such as the Aoki Kanemoto and the Jizo-giri Kanemoto, the name is remarkably prestigious. This *wakizashi* is a magnificent and popular Kanemoto from any angle. While the blade itself is a Kanemoto passed down through a *daimyo* family, the *koshirae* for formal attendance at the castle during the Edo period is splendid. It features a *mitokoromono* set (including *kogatana* and *kogai*) decorated with gold crests of dragons and tigers, and solid gold *menuki* of dragons likely made by the Goto family. This ultra-luxurious *koshirae* truly tells the story of its history as a *sashiryo* handed down in a *daimyo* house. This Kanemoto has been cherished and passed down through generations, but as the owners have grown old, we have been entrusted to find a new owner who will treasure it at an affordable price. Therefore, we are offering this popular Kanemoto *wakizashi* at a super-bargain price—roughly what one might expect to pay for the dragon and tiger *mitokoromono* alone. Please do not miss this opportunity to enjoy it.