Japanese Samurai Sword Masterpiece  Gassan Sadakazu NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon

This exceptional katana is an important work by Gassan Sadakazu (1836–1918), one of the most celebrated swordsmiths of the Shinto and Meiji periods, and the first swordsmith appointed as an Imperial Household Artist (Living National Treasure) in 1906.

Historical Significance

This sword is also listed in the reference book Shin Shinto Taikan (p.109), marking it as one of the most important Gassan works recorded.
Inscription: Sesshu Ikutamatsukiyama Teiichi Kajiyuki – May 1st, Genji (1864).

Gassan Sadakazu was renowned not only for his mastery of Ayasugi-hada forging but also for his extraordinary skill in horimono carving. Even after the 1876 sword ban, he continued producing masterpieces. His works were exhibited worldwide, including at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where Emperor Meiji himself purchased one of his swords.

Sword Description

This blade represents the height of Sadakazu’s artistry:

• Polished, Tokubetsu Hozon certified by NBTHK.

• Nagasa: 76.9 cm

• Sori (curve): 1.2 cm

• Weight: 1045 g

• Period: Edo period – Genji 1st year (May 1864)

Horimono (Carvings):

• Front: A majestic dragon, Sanskrit characters, and the sun.

• Back: A spear, Sanskrit characters, tassel groove, and sube groove.
  (The carved sun is said to honor the legendary master Masamune.)

Jigane & Hamon:

• Jigane: Well-polished with a vivid, visible grain.

• Hamon: Nukedake, suguha with uchiyake, double-blade kasumi, saki-suki-gake with kinsuji. Ha-naka with sunagare and kinsuji.

The Shirasaya – A Masterpiece of Japanese Art

This sword is presented in a custom-made shirasaya of exceptional quality, crafted and decorated as an artwork in its own right.

• The saya is finished in a deep royal blue lacquer, a color associated with dignity and refinement.

• Encircling the shirasaya is a majestic dragon, hand-painted and executed in 22-karat gold, climbing gracefully around the blade in pursuit of the sacred jewel (Tama).

• This motif, drawn from classical Japanese mythology, symbolizes strength, wisdom, and divine protection, perfectly complementing the spiritual nature of the sword.

• The painting process was carried out entirely by hand, using traditional Japanese techniques preserved for generations.

The result is a shirasaya that transcends its practical function to become a true piece of Japanese fine art — harmonizing with the blade forged by Gassan Sadakazu, and elevating the ensemble to museum-level importance.

Lineage

Gassan Sadakazu’s legacy continued through his descendants:

• Son: Gassan Sadakatsu

• Grandson: 2nd Generation Gassan Sadakazu

• Great-grandson: Gassan Sadatoshi – still active today in Osaka with his family.

Additional Information

• Classified as a Specially Preserved Masterpiece by NBTHK.

Collectors’ Note

This katana embodies the peak of Gassan Sadakazu’s craftsmanship, with an extraordinary balance of forging, horimono carving, and polish. The specially created shirasaya adds an unparalleled dimension of artistry, making this both a sword and an art object of the highest order.
Its documentation in the Shin Shinto Taikan further elevates its historical and collector’s value.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a true masterpiece by Japan’s first officially recognized Imperial Court Artist.