Japanese Shinto Steel O-Wakizashi Sword in Shirasaya

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com

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• Lot Description
  East Asia, Japan, Shinto period, Edo era, ca. 1596 to 1780 CE. A fine example of a steel O-wakizashi, this sword features a slightly elongated blade that bridges the gap between a standard wakizashi and a katana. The blade exhibits a gentle curvature and a sinuous hamon (temper line) along its edge - the result of traditional differential hardening techniques. The mumei tang - left unsigned - adds an air of mystery to the blade's origins, a feature commonly found in utilitarian weapons or blades that have been later modified. It is housed in a shirasaya, a plain wooden storage mount made from honoki wood, specifically designed to shield the blade from humidity and corrosion when not in active use. Though understated in appearance, the combination of form, age, and artisanry speaks to the elegant utility and spiritual heritage of Japanese sword culture. Size (in sheath): 31.75" L x 1.75" W (80.6 cm x 4.4 cm) – Blade: 21.75" L x 1.125" W (55.2 cm x 2.9 cm)
  
  Provenance: private Burke, Virginia, USA collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #192552

  Condition

  Pitting to blade and few nicks and abrasions along the spine. Polished and very sharp, handle with care. Shirasaya sheath has scuffs and chips, with a stain from an old label or something that was probably glued to the surface.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

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