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 katana is signed by Kunitada, a smith from Chikugo province, and dated to December of the 14th year of Heisei (2002). Kunitada is highly regarded, having inherited the techniques of Kunimitsu, a smith praised for his exceptional cutting ability during wartime. The blade features active nie and nioi in the hamon, with bright ko-nie showing delicate activity along the blade edge.
NihontoWatchmei · Gendaito
Chikugo · around 1989-
3 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.
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.
