Nobuyoshi was a smith from the Mishina school who’s founder Kanemichi moved from Mino to Kyoto in 1539 where the school flourished. His dated work ranges from the Shoho period till the twelfth year of Kanbun (1672). He worked in an excellent Suguha or Gunome Hamon in Nie-deki with a wide Nioiguchi and was allowed to engrave the Kiku mon on his blades. He carried the honorific title ‘Shinano no Kami’.
Being made in 1646, this Wakizashi is from Nobuyoshi’s early carrier. The Form is a classic Shinogitsukuri with a Suguha hamon which is characterised by its crisp Nie which form fine Sunagashi here and there. In some parts we can see fine short Ashi pointing from the Nioiguchi to the Ha. The Jihada is a prominent Mokume Itame tending towards Nagare and shows a dense Bo-Utsuri.
This is overall an elegant example of Nobuyoshi’s work with a bright Hamon and a beautiful Jihada.
He is ranked as Chu-Jo Saku by Fujishiro.
See reference: https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/NOB591
Signed:
Yamashirokunijuu Fujiwara Nobuyoshi Tsukurukore 山城國住藤原信吉造之
Shoho San Nen Juuni Gatsu Kichinichi (Third year of Shoho 1646 a day in December)
Nagasa 長さ 58 cm
Motohaba 元幅 30 mm
Sakihaba 先幅 20.5 mm
Motokasane 元重ね 7.4 mm
Sori 反り15 mm
Iori-mune
Attributed to Tokubetsu Hozon by the NBTHK in 2013.
The blade comes in Shirasaya carrying a single gold foil Habaki.
