Antique Japanese Wakizashi 脇差 in Shirasaya - Awataguchi Oumi Signed, Edo Period For Sale

A MAGNIFICENT AND POWERFUL SIGNED ANTIQUE JAPANESE WAKIZASHI (脇差) EDO PERIOD AWATAGUCHI OUMI NO KAMI (粟田口近江守) SIGNED IN SHIRASAYA 白鞘The Blade and Metallurgy
An exceptionally robust, healthy battlefield architecture boasting an impressive width and a commanding physical profile. This Hand Forged, Water Quenched Tamahagane (玉鋼) Blade is configured in a classic, powerful Shinogi Zukuri (鎬造) form with a stoutly defined spine (mune) optimized for true structural resilience. The cutting edge (Nagasa / 長さ) measures a long, imposing 18 1/4 inches, showcasing a flawlessly executed, highly active Suguha (直刃) Hamon. The straight temper line presents a heavily frosted, tight crystalline structure that creates a brilliant, misty visual presence running parallel to the edge.The Jihada shows exceptional Old World Craftsmanship, revealing a tightly bundled, fine grain structure with stunning activity under a masterful, mirror like contemporary polish. The temper line sweeps elegantly upward into the Kissaki (切先 — tip), leaving a clear, well defined Boshi (帽子) that mirrors the serene control of the main edge. The unaltered, full length tang (Nakago / 茎) features two well placed Mekugi-ana (目釘穴 — peg holes) and bears a beautifully preserved, deep, and confidently chiseled signature (mei / 銘) on the obverse face: Awataguchi Oumi no Kami (粟田口近江守). The steel of the tang shows an exceptional, authentic dark cocoa brown patina indicative of century-spanning care.The Shirasaya and Art Mountings
The blade rests comfortably inside a custom tailored, deluxe traditional Shirasaya (白鞘 white resting scabbard) meticulously crafted from seasoned, high-grade wood, and to a high specification. This storage mount is engineered to breathe naturally, regulating moisture to safeguard the flawless steel matrix over centuries of preservation.The hilt portion of the Shirasaya features a beautifully inlaid (hatome) surrounding the primary tuning peg hole, showing an elite level of custom attention to detail. Guarding the base of the blade is a dual piece decorative metallic Habaki (垺) featuring fine, closely spaced diagonal chiseling (neko-gaki) that ensures a perfect, airtight seal when drawn into the throat of the scabbard.Dimensions

• Blade Length (Nagasa / 長さ): 18 1/4 inches
• Tip to Tang End (Zen-chō / 全長): 24 1/4 inches
• Overall Mounted Length (Tsuka-Tsuki / 柄付): 26 7/8 inches
• Total Length in Scabbard (Saya-Chō / 鞘長): 28 1/2 inches

Historical Background
During the Edo Period (江戸時代, 1603–1668), the Osaka Shinto movement reached unparalleled heights of popularity, heavily influenced by the prestigious lineages tracing back to classical Yamashiro traditions. The name Awataguchi Oumi no Kami (粟田口近江守) represents a highly esteemed line of Shinto master smiths, most famously associated with the legendary Tadatsuna school of Osaka.Blades bearing this signature are universally revered for their exceptional structural soundness, superb cutting capability, and incredibly tightly forged steel. Finding an example that retains such a massive, wide profile while maintaining the pristine, razor sharp straight temper line characteristic of the highest tier of Yamashiro-revival artistry makes this a prized heirloom for advanced collectors of authentic Samurai weaponry.Condition Report
Presented in Superb, Gallery Quality condition, recently acquired from a hightier estate collection and presented exactly as found. The blade boasts a Magnificent, High Tier Professional Polish that flawlessly illuminates the active, frosty Suguha temper line and the fine mechanics of the steel grain. A single, minute, superficial age spot is visible on the cutting edge, stable and purely cosmetic, serving as an authentic stamp of centuries of survival. The chiseled kanji signature remains exceptionally crisp, deep, and completely legible. The custom Shirasaya joins with absolute precision, providing a rock-solid, secure resting environment for this authenticated masterwork. An outstanding investment-grade signed Shinto piece for any museum display or advanced Japanese art archive. Rare.

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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.