Introduction of a Wakizashi from Wakedo Inscription: Inoue Shinkai (Kikumon) Kanbun 13th year, August Sign: Inoue Shinkai (kikumon) Kanbun 13 nen 8 gatsuhi Certification: Special Preservation Sword by the Nihon Token Hozon Kyokai Certif [N.B.T.H.K] Tokubetsu Hozon Touken Dimensions: Length 1 shaku 5 sun 5 bu (47 cm), Curvature 1.2 cm, Mekugi hole 1, Width at the base 30.3 mm, Width at the tip 21.5 mm, Weight at the base 6.5 mm Size: Blade length 46 cm, Curvature 0.8 cm, Mekugi 1 Hole Country: Settsu Province Country: Settu Period: Mid Edo, Kanbun 13th year Period: Mid of Edo AD 1673 Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, an elevated ridge, with a slight curvature, showing a difference in width between the base and the tip. Forging: Well-packed itame-hada, slightly standing grain, with a thin layer of ji-nuri. Hamon: A wave-like straight edge with mixed gunome, featuring tobiyaki and a bright, deep nioi. Boshi: Beautifully rounded Carving: The front features a lotus pedestal and the back has a dokko sword Tsuba: Unpolished, with a raised point and a decorative file finish. Shirasaya: Yes Explanation During the Shin-to period, Inoue Shinkai was recognized as one of the top swordsmiths alongside Tsuda Echizen-no-kami Sukehira, receiving the highest accolades for new swords. The second generation Kunisada, Inoue Shinkai was the second son of the first Izumi no Kami Kunisada. Initially, he was named Izumi no Kami Kunisada like his father, and after being granted permission to use the kikumon by the court in the 4th year of Manji, he began to call himself Inoue Izumi no Kami Kunisada. Later, in the 12th year of Kanbun, he changed his name to Inoue Shinkai. Shinkai was a superior craftsman compared to his father, producing waves of nioi and displaying remarkable vitality and clarity, earning him a high reputation alongside other top swordsmiths of the new sword era, such as Tsuda Echizen-no-kami Sukehira and Nagasone Kotetsu, eventually being referred to as Osaka Masamune. This piece is a wakizashi inscribed by Shinkai in the 13th year of Kanbun, recognized as a top-quality work from the new sword era and celebrated as one of the best.