16th C Japanese Samurai Fuyuhiro Wakazashi Short Sword. This blade was attributed to the swordsmith Fuyuhiro by the NBTHK. The Fuyohiro group of the Wakasa no kuni Jidai opened its Mon later in the jidai_ and is the most well known among the populace. It is said that the Shodai Fuyohiro was the son of the third Soshu Hirotsugu and was said to be a member of his Mon. There are ten generations that flourished until the Edo Jidai. This appears to be an early Koto period example from this Mon. The examples of the eminent kaji of this group are said to be after the OEI period. It is said the Fuyuhiro probably drew from the Sue Soshu line and this sword is a testament to this style. This sword though O-suriage and was most probably once a fairly elongated katana elegantly shaped. The Jitetsu is a splendidly done itame hada which is well folded and abounds in bright Ji-nie, shirake utsuri appears. The hamon is a fine example of a Yin and Yang explosive Hitatsura ( Full Temper ). Wildly erratic on one side with a textbook appearance of most of the activities that can be found within a hamon and a subtle but equally explosive example of Hitatsura on the other side. Masterfully done and completely constructed to showcase the Soshu influence that was all the rage in the sword world at that time. The list of activity that can be found on this blade are too varied to name all. Following is a partial listing of activities that can be seen: Ji-nie, Ara-nie, Ko-nie, inazuma, kinsuji, sunagashi, ashi, yo, tobiyaki, muneyaki, ubashiri and much much more. A true teaching aid for those who want to experience the full explosiveness of Hitatsura!! The mounts are original to the sword and it is mainly of an Equestrian themed Motif. The Horse menuki are very high quality and are mounted as the horses of samurai going into battle. The unique armour of the horse can clearly be realized. The Fuchi / Kashira are also of horses of Shakudo and Gold. The Tsuba is of the armourers pierced style of Mons and appear to be of the Momoyama period. The habaki is finished in gold and quite attractive. The Saya is a deep red lacquer with a suspension of gold and black speckling throughout. A very striking and strong finish to a very exciting gallery piece offered for the first time.

Exhibited in "Samurai - The Prestigious Collection of Richard Béliveau" a 2013 exhibit at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum: https://pacmusee.qc.ca/en/exhibitions/detail/samurai-the-prestigious-collection-of-richard-beliveau/