MASAIE: A WAKIZASHI IN SHIRASAYA WITH CERTIFICATE By Kai Masaie, signed Bishu Mihara-ju Kai Masaie Japan, Mihara, Bishu Province, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The blade, exhibiting a fine old sashikomi polish, with shinogi-zukuri and iori mune. The hamon is midare in ko-nie-deki, the hada is o-itame. The nakago (tang) with one mekugi-ana, the yasurime is katte-sagari, the tip is kuri jiri. The two-part habaki of sentoku and silvered copper. The mei (signature) reads Bishu Mihara-ju KAI MASAIE (Kai Masaie, resident of Mihara, Bishu Province). With a wood shirasaya and a certificate issued by the Okayama Prefecture Committee of Education on 15 January 2011. LENGTH 42.3 cm (the blade) and 62 cm (the shirasaya) Condition: The blade is in very good condition with only minor surface wear. The shirasaya is in very good condition with minor wear and small nicks here and there. Provenance: Hungarian private collection.