After the Ōnin War broke the Ashikaga order, a century of Sengoku warfare armed nearly every province in Japan. The era rewards a discriminating eye: routine work exists in quantity, and beside it stand custom blades of the first rank.
NihontoWatchNihontoWatchThis blade was signed by Sadamori (定盛), who belonged to a prestigious school named Takada(高田). The maker’s name Sadamori lasted four generations from the Eisho to Kan-Ei era (1504-1644). We believe this blade was made by the first or second-gen Sadamori, who was active during the late Muromachi period (early-mid 16th century). The second-gen Sadamori was the son of Nagamori, one of the most prominent figures of the school. Takada school was founded by Takada Tomoyuki in Takada village, Bungo domain(Ohita prefecture), during the Nanbokucho period. (1334-1338 A.D). Takada Tomoyuki went to Bizen province(today’s Okayama prefecture) to master the sword-forging techniques of BIZEN and returned to the village and trained his apprentices. That is how Takada school started. Those who forged swords in Takada village before the Edo period were called Taira Takada and Fujiwara Takada during the Edo period. Based on the remaining work of Sadamori and the authentication paper, this blade is categorized as a Taira Takada sword. During Sengoku Period(the warring state period: from late 15 C to late 16 C), the Takada school forged many swords for many Samurais in Kyushu island. It is said that the reputation of the blades forged by Takada school was close to MINO or BIZEN swords, two of which are the most famous sword forging places. The Bungo domain was ruled by Otomo Yoshishige(Sorin) during the Sengoku period. Yoshishige and his domain built a strong military and political base there. Yoshishige was known as one of the most famous warlords on Kyushu island. It is said that Takada swordsmiths forged swords for those who served the Otomo clan. Generally speaking, Kyushu island was prosperous in sword-making because of its long trading history with Asian countries. Many feudal lords on this island fought against each other to gain an advantage in trading. Takada school received many orders as the demand increased among those lords. The material of Japanese swords(high-quality iron sand and charcoal) was abundant in mount Sobo Katamuki, located near Takada village. We believe Takada school prospered because of its geographic location and natural resources. It is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token(特別保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK(Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:日本美術刀剣保存協会). *Please keep in mind that there is partial black rust on the Mune (backbone of the blade). Fuchi-Kashira This Fuchi Kashira looks similar to the sword mountings of a Tachi Koshirae (太刀拵). We would say this is primarily due to the type of the Kashira part: a Sarute/ Sarude (猿手, ring-shaped metal fitting) is attached to this Kashira part. The Sarute is attached to the Kabutogane (冑金/兜金) in the Tachi Koshirae. The user of a sword passed the Udenukio (腕貫緒, a cord wrapped around the wrist to prevent a sword from falling out of the hand, mainly used when riding a horse) through this ring. There is no gorgeous decoration on this Fuchi Kashira. However, it is a design specializing in practicality that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the black metal luster. Tsuka and Menuki The motifs of this Menuki are the Kiku (菊, chrysanthemum) flowers. Golden dots are attached to their petals and add decorativeness to this work. The metal surface has worn away over the years, but we could see that the flowers and leaves are carefully carved one by one. A long time ago, chrysanthemums were used as a medicine for obtaining a long life in the continent, and this flower was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). The chrysanthemum symbolizes fall, and people have greatly appreciated it since ancient times. The chrysanthemum has been likened to the sun as its petals form radially. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health. Tsuba and Habaki This oval-shaped Tsuba has Kozuka and Kougai holes. There are minor dents and scratches on its surface, especially around the Mimi (耳, edge) part. These were made little by little due to aging and past use. We hope you would enjoy them as antique textures. This Tsubs’s simple look matches well with other parts of this Katana’s Koshirae when it is attached to the handle. Authentication Paper They authenticated the blade on March 10th in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Hozon Touken, the blade especially worth preserving for Japanese society.
Sadamori定盛
Offered by Samurai Museum
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Bungo · around 1532-1555
Fujishiro Chu-jo saku · Tōken Taikan top 76%
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The Muromachi period (1392 to 1573)
After the Ōnin War broke the Ashikaga order, a century of Sengoku warfare armed nearly every province in Japan. The era rewards a discriminating eye: routine work exists in quantity, and beside it stand custom blades of the first rank.
A Hozon-certified blade judged to show notably superior workmanship and a better state of preservation. The bar is higher: re-tempered blades and most unsigned Muromachi/Edo works are excluded.
The NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords) is a public-interest incorporated foundation founded in 1948 and supervised by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkachō); it is based at the Japanese Sword Museum in Tokyo. Its expert panels physically examine each submitted work (shinsa) and issue a certificate (kanteishō) ranking it by artistic and historical merit. NBTHK papers are the most widely recognized standard of authentication for Japanese swords and fittings.
NBTHK official siteReturns/exchanges limited to defects caused by shipping (except willful misconduct or gross negligence by the company); customers must contact within 72 hours of receiving the product.