Remarkable Japanese Samurai Sword Katana Tachibana Kiyokane NBTHK Hozon

 Masterfully  Katana by Tachibana Kiyokane

Signed: Tachibana Kiyokane – Featuring Exquisite Dual Horimono

Era: Showa 48 (1973)
Certification: NBTHK Hozon Token
Mounting: Dragon-themed koshirae with silver fittings
Region: Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Overview:

This exceptional Japanese katana is the work of Tachibana Kiyokane, a master swordsmith from Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, whose real name was Tsutsui Seiichi. Born in Meiji 40 (1907), Kiyokane was a student of legendary smiths including Kurihara Akihide and Living National Treasure Miyairi Akihei.

Kiyokane hails from a prestigious line of samurai swordsmiths serving the Okazaki Domain, with ancestry tracing back to Isogai Jyuyoshitatsu and his son Ryujoko Yoshitatsu, prominent smiths of the late Edo period. His family legacy—both martial and artistic—adds historical depth to his work.

Specifications:

• Nagasa (Blade Length): 77.0 cm

• Sori (Curvature): 2.3 cm

• Kissaki (Tip Length): 2.2 cm

• Era: Showa 48 (1973)

• Region: Aichi Prefecture

• Certification: NBTHK Hozon – Preserved Sword

Highlights:

• Dual Horimono (Carvings): Stunningly detailed engravings on both sides of the blade—a rare and artistic feature demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and spiritual symbolism

• Ancestral Legacy: Descendant of notable Edo-period domain smiths from the Okazaki samurai line

• Elite Training: Disciple of both Kurihara Akihide and Miyairi Akihei

• Lineage of Swordmasters: His father, the first Tsutsui Seiichi (Ichirobei Kiyokane), was also a highly skilled samurai and smith

• Perfect Balance: Renowned for masterful blade geometry, this katana exhibits flawless handling characteristics

Blade Characteristics:

• Hamon: Distinct and well-defined temper line, masterfully polished

• Horimono: Intricately carved with precision and depth on both sides—a true collector’s hallmark

• Condition: Excellent – the blade has been carefully preserved and professionally polished

Koshirae (Mountings):

• Tsuba: Dragon motif with intricate detailing

• Fittings: Silver-plated and finely crafted to match the elegance of the blade

• Saya & Tsuka: Beautifully matched to elevate the sword’s overall aesthetic

Collector’s Note:

Swords by Tachibana Kiyokane are relatively rare, and this piece stands out due to its dual horimono, impeccable polish, and strong samurai lineage. Combining historical weight, artistic execution, and flawless proportions, this is a highly desirable example of Showa-period nihontō, ideal for seasoned collectors and connoisseurs of modern Japanese sword artistry.

This sword is a must-have addition for those collecting gendaitō or works by lineages with deep samurai heritage.

Included:

• Katana blade by Kiyokane (signed)

• Full high-quality koshirae with silver and dragon-themed fittings

• NBTHK Hozon Certificate