Antique Japanese Short Wakizashi - Kanemitsu 兼光 Signed, Crab Menuki, Edo Period For Sale

AN OUTSTANDING AND RARE ANTIQUE JAPANESE O-TANTO / SHORT WAKIZASHI
EDO PERIOD (1603–1867)The Blade and Metallurgy
An exceptionally well-proportioned, Hand Forged, and Water Quenched Tamahagane (玉鋼) blade configured in classic Shinogi Zukuri (鎬造) form. The cutting edge (nagasa / 長さ) measures an impressive 15 1/2 inches, showcasing a striking and highly active Sanbonsugi (三本杉 - three cedars) hamon (刃文). This frosty, deeply textured temper line displays robust, undulating groups of three pointed peaks, rich with crystalline activity that extends gracefully through the monouchi (物打) and sweeps cleanly into the kissaki (切先 - tip). The steel exhibits a beautifully tightly worked, fine grain structure throughout, reflecting the mastery of traditional metallurgy. The unaltered tang (nakago / 茎) is distinctly signed Kanemitsu (兼光), featuring a single crisp mekugi-ana (目釘穴 - peg hole) and a beautifully preserved, rich brown patina built over centuries.The Koshirae and Mountings
The blade comes complete with its historic, authentically matched koshirae (拵) suite. The hilt (tsuka / 柄) features a tight, traditional black wrap. Nestled within the wrap are highly expressive, finely detailed mixed-metal menuki (目貫) depicting an intricately rendered crab cluster motif (蟹図). The fittings feature a matched, early copper alloy fuchi (縁 - collar) and kashira (頭 - pommel cap) displaying a deep, historic patina. The assembly is anchored by a rugged, circular early forged-iron tsuba (鍔 - handguard) with seasoned surface patination, flanked by matching seppa (切羽 - washers) and a solid single-piece habaki (鎺 - blade collar). The saya (鞘 - scabbard) is finished in a deep, lustrous black lacquer, complete with its original sageo (下げ緒) cord securely knotted to the kurigata (栗形).Dimensions

• Blade Length (Nagasa / 長さ): 15 1/2 inches
• Tip to Tang End (Zen-chō / 全長): 20 inches
• Overall Mounted Length (Tsuka-Tsuki / 柄付): 22 inches
• Total Length in Scabbard (Saya-Chō / 鞘長): 23 inches

Condition Report
Presented in outstanding overall condition, acquired from a recent estate collection. The blade features a high-tier, professional polish that beautifully highlights the complex Sanbonsugi hamon (三本杉刃文) and tight steel matrix, there is one Kizu near the Habaki as shown. The wooden mounting peg (mekugi / 目釘) is intact and ensures a rock solid, secure fitment across all structural components. The lacquer work on the saya (鞘) is exceptionally stable, retaining its rich gloss and color depth with only minimal surface wear consistent with age and prestigious handling. A superb, gallery quality candidate for advanced weapons archives or fine collections of Japanese art. Scarce

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- If you purchase multiple items please wait for a combined invoice before paying.- Please review all photos for details regarding the condition of the item listed - further condition information will be included in the listing as is relevant, if you need additional photographs or have questions regarding the condition please do not hesitate to ask.- Payment is due within 3 business days after the close of the sale- New ers (10 or less response) must contact me prior to offerding; otherwise offers will be cancelled.- I describe all items to the best of my ability - please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions prior to the close of the listing.- If for any reason you do not feel you can leave perfect positive response please immediately contact me so that I may have the opportunity to resolve the matter.- Mistakes very rarely occur - however if one does please rest assured that it will be corrected.- International Buyers are Welcome! Please contact me if you have any question regarding shipping costs.- All packages are shipped USPS based on the dimensions, weight, & service - there is a $1.00 handling fee added to all packages to cover packing materials.- I generally ship within the stated handling time but this may not always be possible; if for some reason your package is going to be delayed I will immediately inform you and give you a full refund on shipping.