WWII Gunto-Mounted Wakizashi | NBTHK Hozon | Hōki Kuni Kurayoshi ju Hiroga Saku
Presenting a fantastic piece of history that bridges two distinct eras of the Japanese warrior: a traditionally forged late 16th-century wakizashi, carried centuries later in World War II officer's mounts.
WWII Gunto-Mounted Wakizashi | NBTHK Hozon | Hōki Kuni Kurayoshi ju Hiroga Saku Presenting a fantastic piece of history that bridges two distinct eras of the Japanese warrior: a traditionally forged late 16th-century wakizashi, carried centuries later in World War II officer's mounts. This blade has been officially authenticated by the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai) and holds a Hozon (Worthy of Preservation) certificate, guaranteeing its authenticity and quality. The Blade & Smith Mei (Signature): 伯耆国倉吉住広賀作 (Hōki no Kuni Kurayoshi ju Hiroga Saku) - Made by Hiroga, resident of Kurayoshi in Hoki Province. Era: Late Muromachi / Early Edo transition. The NBTHK paper classifies this specific work as Shintō (新刀 - New Sword period), placing it roughly around the Keichō era, directly following the Tenshō era (1573–1592). Length (Nagasa): 1 Shaku, 8 Sun, 2 Bu (approx. 55.1 cm / 21.7 inches). Details: The blade features a vibrant, active hamon (temper line) that remains highly visible and beautiful, with a crisp kissaki (tip). The Koshirae (Mountings) This ancestral blade was remounted for military service during World War II, a common practice for families sending their swords to the front lines with their sons. Tsuba & Seppa: Features a classic, high-quality pierced Shin-Gunto tsuba with traditional cherry blossom (Sakura) motifs, complete with matching, numbered seppa and a solid habaki. Tsuka (Handle): Excellent condition standard military wrap (ito) over ray skin (samegawa), complete with cherry blossom menuki and standard Imperial Army fuchi/kashira. Saya (Scabbard): Protected by a traditional WWII leather field cover, an iconic piece of military history designed to protect the scabbard from the harsh elements of the battlefield. Certification NBTHK Hozon Token (Yellow Paper) issued on November 9, 2020 (Reiwa 2). This translates broadly to "Sword Worthy of Preservation" and officially confirms the signature, era, and province of the smith. Whether you are a collector of Nihonto (traditional Japanese swords) or a dedicated historian of WWII militaria, this piece represents a beautiful intersection of both worlds. The Hiroga school was renowned for producing robust, razor-sharp blades, and this wakizashi stands as a testament to their enduring craftsmanship. NBTHK Hozon Token.
11 high-resolution detail views — use zoom viewer to inspect hamon, jihada, and metalwork
Hiroyoshi
廣賀Hiroyoshi (廣賀), also frequently read as **Hiroga**, represents a prestigious lineage of smiths active in Hōki Province (modern-day Tottori) from the late Muromachi through the early Edo period, specifically centered in the forging hub of **Kurayoshi** [10], [14]. The school is traditionally divided into the Saono and Mita branches; the latter was founded by Heibei Hiroga, who is documented as a disciple of the famed Soshū master **Tsunahiro**, effectively transplanting the powerful Soshū-den traditions to the San'in region [14]. His work is characterized by a robust, *nie*-laden *hamon*—often a mix of *gunome-midare* or *hitatsura* (full tempering)—reflecting his Soshū roots, paired with a dense *itame* or *mokume hada* that occasionally exhibits the "blackish" steel quality typical of Hōki blades [10], [14]. While some later Edo-period descendants are categorized as rural smiths, the early masters of this line are highly regarded by scholars for maintaining the grand, energetic aesthetic of the Momoyama transition, with fine examples frequently earning *Tokubetsu Hozon* status for their technical merit and historical integrity [12], [14]. Although the user associates him with the Horikawa school, historical records primarily define him through the **Hōki-Hiroga** lineage, which remained a dominant force in provincial sword-making for several generations [14].