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.
Seto Yoshihiro, born in Fukuoka in 1945, is a Mukansa swordsmith who studied under Sumitani Masamine. He is renowned for his Bizen Ichimonji style, having won numerous awards for his work. This tachi, made in 1993, features a wide body, deep bo-hi, and a high koshi-zori, reminiscent of Kamakura period blades. The jigane is well-forged ko-mokume, and the hamon is a vibrant choji with intricate patterns, reflecting the smith's mastery.
NihontoWatchmei · Heisei (1989-2019) · nagasa 75.75cm · sori 2.79cm
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.
Seto Yoshihiro, born in Fukuoka in 1945, is a Mukansa swordsmith who studied under Sumitani Masamine. He is renowned for his Bizen Ichimonji style, having won numerous awards for his work. This tachi, made in 1993, features a wide body, deep bo-hi, and a high koshi-zori, reminiscent of Kamakura period blades. The jigane is well-forged ko-mokume, and the hamon is a vibrant choji with intricate patterns, reflecting the smith's mastery.
NihontoWatchmei · Heisei (1989-2019) · nagasa 75.75cm · sori 2.79cm
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.
