Hakuri Wakizashi (白鯉) – White Koi

Hakuri (白鯉): the white koi

In Japan, the carp (the koi) is the emblem of perseverance: legend holds that by ascending a waterfall, it transforms into a dragon. White (haku), it carries the further symbolism of purity and nobility.

This wakizashi makes the koi its central subject: a great fish is painted among the waves on a white marbled lacquer saya, while on the silver tsuba a carp faces the surging current. The blue hue of the blade is a quiet echo of the water in which it swims.

A satin-blue blade with bo-hi

The blade is forged in 1045 steel, a reliable high-carbon steel that is straightforward to maintain. It follows a shinogi-zukuri geometry with a chū-kissaki point, and carries a bo-hi that stops before the yokote.

Its surface is finished in satin blue, set against a polished bright steel edge for sharp contrast. This notare-style line is a decorative hamon.

A silver koi mounting

The kawari-gata iron tsuba with silver finish features waves and a koi carp in high relief (takabori) against a polished ground, with openwork (sukashi) between the waves, an irregular rounded rim, and two hitsu-ana openings. A gilt brass seppa completes the assembly.

The fuchi and kashira in silver-tone alloy are chiselled with floral motifs. The handle combines a wood core with black faux ray skin, wrapped in a grey tsuka-ito in hineri-maki, with silver menuki. The ichimai habaki in gilt copper features a regular lattice pattern with a woven effect.

A white marbled saya with a great fish

The saya is crafted from solid wood, finished in a white lacquer marbled with grey, upon which a great fish among the waves is painted. The koiguchi and kojiri are lacquered in the same marbled white, in keeping with the saya. The white-lacquered kurikata with gilt brass shitodome holds a grey sageo.

Dimensions and handling of the wakizashi

With a blade of 51 cm and an overall length of 78 cm, Hakuri bears the proportions of a wakizashi, the shorter companion to the katana. Its 23 cm handle offers a comfortable single-handed grip, with room for the second hand in support. At 1 kg, it remains responsive and easy to handle. At 80 cm in its saya, it presents its painted scabbard to its finest effect.