Z-SEY Wakizashi Cherry Blossoms Koshirae (Naginata Blade Shape)

During the Kamakura period (1185 - 1333 CE), the naginata was a highly prized battlefield weapon, valued for its sweeping reach. As battlefield tactics shifted, the naginata became obsolete and many were modified into katana or wakizashi. Because these converted blades proved formidable, swordsmiths began forging new swords with the same blade style, known today as naginata zukuri.

Like those blades of old, this visually striking Z-Sey wakizashi also has a naginata zukuri (naginata polearm blade style) blade. Forged from tamahagane steel, the blade is differentially heat treated and clay tempered, revealing a beautiful suguha (straight) hamon. Traditional sashikomi grade A hand-polishing by specialists brings to life the temper line and natural details of the steel. A naginata-hi (groove style associated with naginata blades) paired with a soe-hi (companion groove), both finished in the kakinagashi style (tapering to a smooth, gradual point about halfway down the tang), trims excess weight and moves the point of balance toward the hilt, improving the sword’s agility and responsiveness. 

Blackened brass fittings with gold accents adorn this sword, as seen on the mokko gata (lobed shape) tsuba, fuchi, and kashira with cherry blossoms, reminding warriors to live in the present due to the impermanence of life. A gold-toned brass menuki features the paulownia crest, an emblem granted by the imperial court to meritorious warriors such as Ashikaga Takauji and Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a mark of honor and distinction. Other koshirae include copper seppa and copper Yujo style habaki. 

One mekugi secures the nakago within the wooden handmade Haichi style tsuka. White samegawa with a large emperor node covers the handle, which is wrapped tightly using Japanese silk ito. High quality hishigami (folded paper wedges) are inserted beneath the tsukamaki for a comfortable and solid grip.

Completing this masterpiece is a red ishime-nuri, 朱石目塗り (stone-textured lacquer) saya with horn fittings (koiguchi, kurigata, kojiri), brass shitodome, and Japanese silk sageo.