The twentieth century nearly killed the craft twice: wartime distortion, then the occupation ban. The NBTHK’s founding in 1948 and licensed forging from 1953 rebuilt the sword as an art, crowned by Living National Treasures and the mukansa rank.
This is a magnificent Tachi by Yoshihara Shoji (Kuniie), a Mukansa designated swordsmith and younger brother of Yoshihara Yoshindo. Forged in 1988, it features a wide blade with deep Koshizori, emulating the grand style of Kamakura period Fukuoka Ichimonji school. The blade exhibits a bright Ko-Itame jigane mixed with Mokume and a vibrant Juka-Choji hamon.
NihontoWatchmei · Fukuoka Ichimonji · Showa (1926-1989) · nagasa 75.6cm · sori 2.7cm
Tokyo · around 1926-1989
5 pieces on the market now
Shōwa to the present: destruction and revival
The twentieth century nearly killed the craft twice: wartime distortion, then the occupation ban. The NBTHK’s founding in 1948 and licensed forging from 1953 rebuilt the sword as an art, crowned by Living National Treasures and the mukansa rank.
We could not find an authenticity certificate on the seller’s listing. Japanese swords and fittings are normally papered by the NBTHK (or the NTHK). Without one, the attribution is the seller’s own assessment and has not been independently verified — treat it with caution and ask the dealer about certification before buying.
No cooling-off period or returns; refund only if the purchased sword is proven fake, capped at purchase price (excludes commission sales, accessories, auction items).
