Edo Period Wakizashi Signed “Mino Kuni Jū Kanesada” (美濃国住兼定)
 
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Period: Edo period, 17th–18th century
School/Province: Mino tradition, Mino Province (present-day Gifu Prefecture)
Type: Wakizashi
Nagasa (Blade length): 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
Description
An authentic Japanese wakizashi signed “Mino Kuni Jū Kanesada” (美濃国住兼定), attributing the blade to the prolific Kanesada lineage of swordsmiths from Mino Province. The Kanesada name was used by numerous generations of smiths, active from the late Muromachi period into the Edo period. Based on signature style and mountings, this example most likely dates to the mid-Edo period (17th–18th century).
The blade, measuring 17.5 inches from kissaki to habaki, remains in healthy condition though currently out of polish. The geometry is well preserved, with a chu-kissaki and visible hamon. This wakizashi reflects its intended purpose as a functional sidearm carried by samurai or permitted classes during the Edo period.
Mountings (Koshirae)
The sword is mounted in a complete Edo-period koshirae:
Tsuka (handle): Wrapped in blue silk ito over white ray skin (samegawa).
Menuki (ornaments): Copper with gilt highlights, depicting a tiger on one side and foliage (leaves/reeds) on the other — a traditional symbolic pairing representing courage and harmony with nature.
Fuchi & Kashira (collar and pommel): Plain iron, Edo style.
Tsuba (guard): Round iron (maru-gata) with radiating sunburst lines, simple and functional.
Saya (scabbard): Black lacquer with a dark blue sageo cord.
Habaki
The habaki is of superior quality: a copper core wrapped in silver foil (gin-zōme), decorated with yasurime (file-mark) patterns radiating outward. Silver-wrapped habaki were a refinement beyond plain copper types, often associated with owners who invested in higher-quality fittings.
Additional Markings
On the wooden tsuka core, beneath the fuchi, are ink inscriptions in katakana reading カネサダ (Kanesada). These correspond directly to the tang’s signature and were historically applied by craftsmen to ensure the correct pairing of blade and mounts. Such markings are rarely encountered today, as many tsuka were replaced or worn smooth over centuries. The preservation of this legible inscription enhances the authenticity and continuity of the sword’s history.
Registration
Accompanied by a Japanese registration certificate (torokusho), verifying its authenticity as a traditionally made sword legally preserved following post-WWII regulations.
Summary
Swordsmith: Signed Mino Kuni Jū Kanesada
Period: Edo (17th–18th century)
Length: 17.5" (44.5 cm)
Mounts: Complete koshirae with tiger-and-foliage menuki, blue ito over white ray skin, iron fittings, and black lacquer saya
Habaki: Copper core with silver foil wrap (gin-zōme), decorated with yasurime
Additional Marks: Tsuka core ink inscription (Kanesada) confirming tang mei
Papers: Japanese registration certificate (torokusho)
A fine Edo-period wakizashi in complete mountings, with silver-wrapped habaki and rare tsuka inscriptions confirming the blade’s mei. This piece reflects the quality, symbolism, and practical function of a samurai’s sidearm, offering both historical significance and collector value.