SWORD
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Bishu ju Kanetake 尾州住兼武
The Tokugawa Shogunate’s rise led to a transformation in Japanese swordsmithing, producing modern blades like the rare naginata by Bishu ju Kanetake. This piece exemplifies craftsmanship with its unique shape and intricate details. It reflects the shift from mass production to artisanal quality, highlighting the connections between influential clans and swordsmiths.
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soshu masahiro sunnobi tanto
The article discusses a sunnobi tanto crafted by Masahiro, son of Hiromitsu, highlighting its significant design and historical context within the Muromachi Period. Notable features include its exceptional shape, bright finish, complex tempering, and luxurious fittings from the Edo Period, exemplifying high-quality Japanese sword craftsmanship and heritage.
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BIZEN KAGENORI TACHI 備前景則太刀
● This Bizen Kagenori Tachi is an extremely rare, signed work, which is not only ubu, but is also signed and dated. In terms of Koto era blades, this makes it an extremely relevant and rare piece since unshortened, let alone signed and dated works from the Nanbokucho era in the form of daito are…
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JYUYO HIGONOKAMI KUNIYASU KATANA
As the Azuchi-Momoyama Period came to an end and the Tokugawa Shogunate aggressively wrestled power from the Toyotomi at the Battle of Sekigahara, the unification of Japan under one banner brought about a 250-year-long period of widespread peace. A fortunate byproduct of this was the revival of artisanal Japanese swordsmithing, seeing two major eras, being…
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Juyo Rai Kuninaga Tanto
This summary discusses a remarkable sunnobi tanto by Rai Kuninaga from the Nanbokucho Period. It highlights its exceptional craftsmanship, unique metallurgical features, and historical significance, showcasing the fusion of Yamashiro and Soshu styles. The blade is rated “Juyo,” emphasizing its quality and preservation while illustrating the broader impact of Masamune’s influence on Japanese sword-making.
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Choshu hagi ju nagahiro 長州萩住永広
With the continuing trend toward less functional, flamboyant blades during the Edo Period, concerns of durability led to a movement within the nihonto world to return to Koto Era swordsmithing traditions, creating simpler, albeit useful nihonto. This need for practical weapons was well-founded, especially as foreign influence foreshadowed the coming of another civil war on…