NihontoWatchA Fine Shinshinto Katana Attributed to One of Taikei Naotane's Most Accomplished Disciples This elegant katana is attributed by the NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords) to Sawahara Shigetane, a highly accomplished swordsmith of the late Edo period and one of the most distinguished disciples of the celebrated master Taikei Naotane. Shigetane is widely regarded as one of the finest craftsmen among Naotane's students. He worked primarily as a retained swordsmith for the Shirakawa Domain in the Oshu region and was renowned for his exceptional technical skill. His workmanship closely resembled that of his master, Taikei Naotane, one of the greatest swordsmiths of the Shinshinto period. Shigetane's abilities were so highly regarded that he is said to have occasionally produced swords on behalf of Naotane himself. Like his master, Shigetane excelled in Koto-utsushi, the art of recreating the characteristics of classical Japanese swords from the Kamakura and Nanbokucho periods. His blades are particularly admired for their graceful proportions, refined craftsmanship, and faithful interpretation of earlier swordmaking traditions. Exceptional Jigane and a Richly Detailed Hamon This katana displays a beautifully balanced and slender silhouette, reflecting the elegant aesthetics associated with Shigetane's work. The jigane (steel surface) features exceptionally well-forged and tightly compacted ko-itame hada, creating a refined, dense, and beautifully textured appearance. The hamon (temper pattern) is a lively gunome-midare, characterized by a succession of irregular, rounded temper formations. Within the hardened edge, abundant ashi extend into the hamon, while delicate sunagashi (flowing lines of nie crystals) and kinsuji (bright, lightning-like streaks) add further complexity and visual interest. These intricate activities create a remarkably expressive temper pattern, offering numerous details to appreciate under careful examination. The combination of its graceful shape, beautifully forged steel, and richly varied hamon makes this katana a compelling example of the sophisticated craftsmanship achieved by the finest Shinshinto swordsmiths. NBTHK Certification This sword is accompanied by an NBTHK Hozon Token Certificate, officially attributing the blade to Sawahara Shigetane and recognizing it as a Japanese art sword worthy of preservation. For collectors interested in the influential school of Taikei Naotane, this katana offers an excellent opportunity to acquire a work attributed to one of his most accomplished disciples. Sword Details View This Katana at Our Tokyo Showroom This katana is currently on display at the SAMURAI STORE Tokyo, Japan. We warmly invite collectors and enthusiasts to visit us by appointment and appreciate the blade's elegant proportions, finely forged steel, and intricate hamon in person. Photographs can capture only part of the beauty of a genuine Japanese sword, and we would be delighted to show you this remarkable piece during your visit to Tokyo. The blade comes with a Certificate of NBTHK Japan Sword Preservation Society - Hozon Paper (Well-preserved sword)
Offered by Samurai Store
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Iwashiro · around 1830-1844
Fujishiro Chu-jo saku · Tōken Taikan top 87%
1 piece on the market now
The Edo period (1615 to 1868)
For two and a half centuries of peace the sword was the warrior’s legal badge rather than his weapon. Each great city developed its own manner, Edo’s tested strength against Ōsaka’s polished brilliance, until demand thinned in the era’s last decades.
Certifies a genuine blade worth preserving: a signature confirmed correct, or, if unsigned, an era, province, and school that the NBTHK can reliably identify.
The NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords) is a public-interest incorporated foundation founded in 1948 and supervised by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkachō); it is based at the Japanese Sword Museum in Tokyo. Its expert panels physically examine each submitted work (shinsa) and issue a certificate (kanteishō) ranking it by artistic and historical merit. NBTHK papers are the most widely recognized standard of authentication for Japanese swords and fittings.
NBTHK official siteReturns accepted only for errors/damage: damaged or incorrect items reported by email within 10 calendar days; defective goods within 30 calendar days.