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 tanto is a valuable work by the swordsmith Shigemasa, who trained under the master sword carver Kasama Shigetsugu. It was forged using old nails and other iron from Ikegami Honmonji Temple, with steel from the Kamakura period used as oroshi-tetsu. The blade features a grass-script style Buddhist invocation on the front, and Sanskrit characters representing Fudo Myoo and Dainichi Nyorai, along with goma-bashi, on the back, showcasing Shigemasa's exceptional carving skill.
NihontoWatchmei · Showa (1926-1989)
around 1926-1989
4 pieces on the market now
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.
If, due to our fault, the item differs significantly from its proper condition, the item may be returned. Cooling-off is within one week of the item's arrival.
This tanto is a valuable work by the swordsmith Shigemasa, who trained under the master sword carver Kasama Shigetsugu. It was forged using old nails and other iron from Ikegami Honmonji Temple, with steel from the Kamakura period used as oroshi-tetsu. The blade features a grass-script style Buddhist invocation on the front, and Sanskrit characters representing Fudo Myoo and Dainichi Nyorai, along with goma-bashi, on the back, showcasing Shigemasa's exceptional carving skill.
NihontoWatchmei · Showa (1926-1989)
around 1926-1989
4 pieces on the market now
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.
If, due to our fault, the item differs significantly from its proper condition, the item may be returned. Cooling-off is within one week of the item's arrival.
