AIZU KANETOMO: A WAKIZASHI IN KOSHIRAE, WITH NBTHK CERTIFICATEBy Aizu Kanetomo, unsigned Japan, Edo period (1615-1868)The blade: Shobu-zukuri and iori mune. The hamon is sugu with some gunome in nie-deki, the hada is masame.The mounting: The iron tsuba of mokko gata form with one hitsu, cast in openwork with inome pattern to the four corners and inlaid with a brass Katabami mon. The shakudo fuchi and kashira with gilt decoration of bamboo stalks and leaves. The shakudo menuki in the form of leafy sprays. The copper kozuka decorated with a bird perched on a tree in high relief, the details and back are gilt. The tsuka covered in rayskin and wrapped with black textile. The copper habaki is plain. The saya is lacquered black and inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl speckles.With an NBTHK certificate reference no. 237814 attributing the blade to Aizu Kanetomo.NAGASA 34.5 cm, LENGTH 53 cm (total)Condition: The blade is in very good condition with minor wear, few minuscule blisters, the ridge with a minuscule nick. The mounts are in good condition with some wear, the saya with minor age cracks, nicks, and scratches. Provenance: Czech private collection.