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 page from Ginza Choshuya, a specialist Japanese sword dealer, introduces a tachi signed by Kasagasa Masamine, dated August, Heisei 10 (1998). Masamine, who aimed for Bizen swords of the mid-Kamakura period, studied metallurgy and analyzed ancient steel compositions. His work, including the creation of sacred swords for the Ise Grand Shrine, is deeply etched in the Showa history of Japanese swords, and his prolific spirit has been passed down to many swordsmiths of the Heisei era.
NihontoWatchmei · Showa (1926-1989)
Ishikawa · around 1921-1998
11 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.
This page from Ginza Choshuya, a specialist Japanese sword dealer, introduces a tachi signed by Kasagasa Masamine, dated August, Heisei 10 (1998). Masamine, who aimed for Bizen swords of the mid-Kamakura period, studied metallurgy and analyzed ancient steel compositions. His work, including the creation of sacred swords for the Ise Grand Shrine, is deeply etched in the Showa history of Japanese swords, and his prolific spirit has been passed down to many swordsmiths of the Heisei era.
NihontoWatchmei · Showa (1926-1989)
Ishikawa · around 1921-1998
11 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.
