NihontoWatchSword construction: Tachi of Shinogi-zukuri, Iorimune. The blade is wide, with a deep curvature and haemonized degree of tapering in width from base to tip, extending into a Ikubi-style chū-kissaki. The well-balanced, weighty form exudes a dignified and imposing presence. (956 grams / without Habaki) Forging (Kitae-hada): The forging surface shows Ko-Itame-hada. Sparkling Ji-nie is thickly attached. Hamon: Gunome-chōji-midare. Large clusters of Chōji and small Chōji intertwine in a complex pattern, forming Jūka-chōji (multiple-layered Chōji), some reaching almost up to the Shinogi line. The Ha-fuchi is brightly defined with a tight line of fine Ko-Nie, giving it clarity and brilliance. The interior of the hamon is filled with soft Nioi, clear and luminous, with Sunagashi appearing in places. The angled Chōji-ashi radiate toward the cutting edge. Nakago: Ubu (unaltered). One mekugi-ana. Yasurime are Ō-sujikai and the Nakago-jiri is in Kurijiri form. The Tachi-mei reads “Chikuzen-no-Kuni Seto YOSHIHIRO-saku 筑前住瀬戸吉廣作” and on the reverse the date “Early Summer, Shōwa 62 (1987) 昭和六十二年初夏” is inscribed. Bōshi: The temper runs irregularly into the tip and returns in a Chū-maru shape. The smith Seto YOSHIHIRO 瀬戸吉廣 was born May 2, 1945, in Fukuoka Prefecture. He first studied under the Living National Treasure Miyairi Akihira 宮入昭平 and in 1971 (Shōwa 46), at age twenty-five, he entered apprenticeship under future Living National Treasure Sumitani Masamine 隅谷正峯, devoting himself to mastering the Bizen-tradition forging techniques. In 1977 (Shōwa 52), he received approval as a swordsmith and in that same year established his own forge. Even after becoming independent, he again studied under a master Sumitani Masamine 隅谷正峯, further deepening his training. From 1978 (Shōwa 53), he continuously submitted works to the New Sword Exhibition and achieved repeated special awards, including the Kanzan Prize, the Chairman’s Award, and the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award. His association with his teacher over more than ten years refined and elevated the Bizen tradition transmitted from his master, and in 1996 (Heisei 8) he was recognized as Mukansa (exempt from examination) by the NBTHK, becoming one of the distinguished master swordsmiths of the modern era. This tachi was forged in 1987 (Shōwa 62), when he was forty-two years old. Its imposing tachi form, the finely wrought, dense Jitetsu and the freely undulating, magnificent Jūka-chōji midare—wrapped in a soft halo of Nioi—shine brilliantly. It is a superb modern work consciously modeled on the peak style of Fukuoka Ichimonji, especially with the Tachi masterpiece "Sanchō'mo 山鳥毛" in mind. Comes with Gold foiled double layer Habaki collar, preserved in plain wood mounting of Shirasaya
Offered by Sanmei
2 on the market
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.
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¥1,250,000