Japanese Wakizashi Signed Yamato no Kami Fujiwara Tadayuki with Authentication Papers

A traditionally forged Japanese wakizashi signed Yamato no Kami Fujiwara Tadayuki, accompanied by both its Japanese registration certificate (Torokusho) and a 2025 appraisal certificate issued by the Jūhō Tōken Kenkyūkai identifying the signature as genuine.

The blade measures 48.0 cm (18.9 inches) with a graceful 1.0 cm curvature. The accompanying appraisal describes the sword as having shinogi-zukuri construction with an iori-mune, mokume hada, and a suguha hamon, attributing it to the Takada School of Bungo Province.

The sword retains its signed tang (zaimei), an important feature for collectors, and is accompanied by its original Japanese documentation, adding confidence to its provenance and attribution.

A fine opportunity to acquire a documented Edo-period Japanese wakizashi by a recognized smith, complete with modern Japanese authentication papers.

Specifications

• Type: Wakizashi
• Signature: Yamato no Kami Fujiwara Tadayuki
• Blade Length: 48.0 cm (18.9 in)
• Curvature: 1.0 cm
• Construction: Shinogi-zukuri
• Mune: Iori-mune
• Hada: Mokume
• Hamon: Suguha
• School: Takada School
• Papers: Japanese Torokusho registration certificate and 2025 Jūhō Tōken Kenkyūkai appraisal certificate
• Period: Edo Period

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. The sword will be shipped in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Collector's Notes

This signed wakizashi is accompanied by both its original Japanese registration certificate (Torokusho) and a modern Japanese appraisal certificate issued in 2025 by the Jūhō Tōken Kenkyūkai (Gun and Sword Research Society). The appraisal identifies the signature as Yamato no Kami Fujiwara Tadayuki (大和守藤原忠行) and certifies the signature as genuine.

The accompanying appraisal describes the blade as a traditional shinogi-zukuri wakizashi with an iori-mune, mokume hada (wood-grain forging pattern), and a suguha hamon (straight temper line). It further attributes the workmanship to the Takada School of Bungo Province, one of Kyushu's principal sword-making traditions during the Shintō period. These characteristics are consistent with the quiet, refined workmanship long associated with Takada smiths.

The name Yamato no Kami Fujiwara Tadayuki was used by multiple generations of swordsmiths working within the Takada tradition. "Yamato no Kami" is an honorary court title rather than a place of manufacture, while "Fujiwara" is an honorary clan name commonly incorporated into swordsmith signatures. Because several generations signed with this name, modern Japanese appraisal organizations evaluate the signature together with the blade's workmanship when determining attribution.

An especially desirable feature of this example is its ubu (unaltered) signed tang, preserving the original signature and providing a direct connection to the blade's historical attribution. Signed swords retaining their original tang are generally more desirable to collectors than comparable unsigned or heavily altered examples.

Although the accompanying authentication is not an NBTHK Hozon certificate, it is a contemporary Japanese appraisal issued by a recognized sword appraisal organization and provides documented support for the blade's attribution. Comparable signed Edo-period wakizashi by documented smiths commonly trade in the several-thousand-dollar range depending on condition, polish, mountings, and certification, making this an attractive opportunity for collectors seeking a documented, traditionally forged Japanese sword.