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 is a wakizashi by Masamine, a leading figure in the modern sword world and designated a Living National Treasure in 1981. The blade features a hira-zukuri form with reverse choji-midare hamon, characteristic of Bitchu Aoe school, which Masamine excelled at reproducing. The smith was known for his efforts to recreate Kamakura period jigane and his research into ancient sword steel.
NihontoWatch
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 is a wakizashi by Masamine, a leading figure in the modern sword world and designated a Living National Treasure in 1981. The blade features a hira-zukuri form with reverse choji-midare hamon, characteristic of Bitchu Aoe school, which Masamine excelled at reproducing. The smith was known for his efforts to recreate Kamakura period jigane and his research into ancient sword steel.
NihontoWatchIshikawa · 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.
