Featured in this lot we have a Shinshinto period Japanese wakizashi blade set in a Shirasaya with a contemporary koshirae. The wakizashi blade displays a Shinogi Zukuri design with a toriizori curve to the blade. The blade was crafted in 1570 by Mumae the Swordsmith. The blade displays Damascus construction with a New Japanese polish done in 1980 by Mr. Yamishita. The blade is set in a Shirasaya, a traditional way of storing, transporting, or displaying blades. The all wood construction and seamless design is commonly used to display blades, with the Shirasaya lacking the tsuba for protection or any of the other traditional sword funishings. The koshirae displays wood construction with a black laquer finish across the saya with mother of pearl inlay for formal dress with kozuka knife on the side. The grip shows ray skin with traditional cloth wrappings and metal tsuba in place over a wooden blade allowing the koshirae to be displayed without the true blade. This blade and koshirae were featured and sold by Bonhams & Butterfields fine art Auctioneers in 2004 along with other blades. The blade comes with copies of the Bonhams & Butterfields catalog along with copies of its original paperwork. The blade also comes with a set of photos from their acquisition in 1980 along with a slip of paper showing the blades details. The blade and koshirae each come with a proper sword sleeve and shows wonderful condition overall. The blade measures 21" long overall including the tang with the cutting edge measuring 15 1/2" long. The koshirae measures 23" long overall. The blade, koshirae, and accoutrements weigh 2lbs 8oz.