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 hirazukuri wakizashi is signed by Yoshihiro, a Gendaito smith born in Fukuoka Prefecture in Showa 20 (1945). He studied under the Living National Treasure Sumitani Masamine and was certified as a Mukansa smith in Heisei 8 (1996). Yoshihiro is known for his work recreating ancient styles, particularly the Juka Choji of the Kamakura period Ichimonji school, and this piece showcases his individual style with a flamboyant finish reminiscent of Ko-Aoe.
NihontoWatchmei · Heisei (1989-2019) · nagasa 30.3cm · sori 0.4cm
Chikuzen · around 1989-2019
2 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 hirazukuri wakizashi is signed by Yoshihiro, a Gendaito smith born in Fukuoka Prefecture in Showa 20 (1945). He studied under the Living National Treasure Sumitani Masamine and was certified as a Mukansa smith in Heisei 8 (1996). Yoshihiro is known for his work recreating ancient styles, particularly the Juka Choji of the Kamakura period Ichimonji school, and this piece showcases his individual style with a flamboyant finish reminiscent of Ko-Aoe.
NihontoWatchmei · Heisei (1989-2019) · nagasa 30.3cm · sori 0.4cm
Chikuzen · around 1989-2019
2 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.
