Wakizashi, Hitatsura 皆焼 Hamon, Doi Shinryo 土肥真了 Signed, Mantis Kozuka Edo Period
A Rare and Important Edo-Period Wakizashi
Signed Doi Shinryo (土肥真了), Edo Period (17th Century)OverviewThis magnificent antique Japanese wakizashi (companion sword) represents an exceptional marriage of virtuosic metallurgical engineering and highly sophisticated samurai taste. Bearing the signature of the celebrated Hizen-tradition master Doi Shinryo (土肥真了) upon its tang, the weapon is distinguished by its extraordinarily rare and complex hitatsura (full-surface) temper line. Complete with an exquisite suite of thematic koshirae fittings focusing on the classical martial motifs of the praying mantis, this gallery grade ensemble stands as a premier candidate for advanced art collections and armor archives.The BladeHand-forged from traditional tamahagane steel and expertly water-quenched, the blade is sculpted into a powerful, elegant curve with an impeccable balance designed for close-quarter tactical deployment.
- Boshi (Tip Temper): The intense tempering activity continues seamlessly into the kissaki (tip), exhibiting a rich, beautifully defined temper line.
- Jihada (Grain Structure): Exceptionally tight, uniform forging grain brought to life by a magnificent, high-tier traditional polish that reveals the full depth of the steel's crystalline structures.
- Nagasa (Cutting Edge): 13 ½ inches (approx. 34.3 cm).
- Overall Blade Length (Tip to Tang): 18 ½ inches (approx. 47.0 cm).
- Nakago (Tang): Fully intact and inscribed with the authoritative signature Doi Shinryo (土肥真了); secured cleanly by a tight-fitting, authentic mounting peg (mekugi).
Mountings and KoshiraeThe outer fittings (koshirae) are executed to an elite standard, presenting a cohesive, intellectually sophisticated decorative theme centered around nature's most patient martial hunter the praying mantis.
- Saya (Scabbard): Finished in a highly specialized, lavish Mokume-hada nuri (wood-grain texturing) style lacquer. The surface mimics the natural depth of precious burl wood using deep blacks and undulating, organic waves of heavy gold powder dusting. It features a dedicated side slot accommodating a companion kozuka utility knife.
- Kozuka (Utility Knife Hilt): A masterful iron handle intricately chiseled with a high-relief presentation of a praying mantis and an ants, serving as a classical samurai metaphor for focus and lethal speed.
- Tsuba (Handguard): A remarkably thick, substantial guard featuring heavily embellished gold accents along its rim and face, providing a commanding counterweight to the blade.
- Fuchi-Kashira (Hilt Collar and Cap): Richly textured iron fittings adorned with fine gold inlay accentuating the organic, flowing motif of the sword's design.
- Tsuka (Hilt): Boasts an immaculate, traditional tight cord wrap, enclosing a matched set of geometric cluster menuki (ornaments).
- Dimensions: 20 ¼ inches (approx. 51.4 cm) total length mounted as a hilt ensemble; 22 ½ inches (approx. 57.2 cm) overall length when resting sheathed within the saya.
Condition & Historical ContextOffered in a magnificent state of preservation. The blade retains its razor-sharp geometry, pristine planes, and a brilliant polish that perfectly showcases the volatile hitatsura tempering a few tiny kizu are shown. Doi Shinryo was a highly esteemed swordsmith born in Hirado (Nagasaki prefecture), famous for traveling to Osaka to study directly under the legendary master Inoue Shinkai before returning to serve as the resident swordsmith for the powerful Matsuura clan. Authentic, signed examples showcasing a successful hitatsura hamon are distinctly rare on the international market, as the technique carried an extremely high risk of blade failure during the quenching process. Acquired from a prominent private estate collection and presented in its authentic, as-found condition.
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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.
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