Japanese Katana by Gassan Sadakazu

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon | Documented in Shin Shintō Taikan

This exceptional katana was forged by Gassan Sadakazu, one of the most celebrated swordsmiths of the late Edo and Meiji periods and a pivotal figure in the preservation of traditional Japanese swordmaking.

In 1906, Sadakazu became the first swordsmith to be appointed Imperial Household Artist (Teishitsu Gigeiin), a distinction reserved for Japan’s finest craftsmen. His work is regarded as the pinnacle of the Gassan tradition, famous for its sophisticated forging methods and refined artistic execution.

This particular katana is especially important because it is recorded in the renowned reference work Shin Shintō Taikan (page 109), confirming its significance within the history of Japanese swordmaking. The blade is further preserved with prestigious NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certification, recognizing its exceptional quality and historical importance.

Dated May 1864 (Genji Gannen), the sword was forged during the final years of the Edo period, an era that produced some of the finest works of the Shin-Shintō revival. Measuring an impressive 76.9 cm in length, the blade displays a powerful and elegant sugata, with beautifully forged steel and a refined suguha hamon enriched by kinsuji, sunagare, and other activities that demonstrate Sadakazu’s mastery of heat treatment.

A remarkable feature of this katana is its extraordinary horimono. The omote side is carved with a majestic dragon, Sanskrit characters, and a sun motif, while the ura side features additional Buddhist symbolism and finely executed carvings. Sadakazu was renowned not only as a swordsmith but also as a master engraver, making examples such as this highly desirable among collectors.

The sword is housed in an exceptional custom shirasaya finished in deep royal-blue lacquer and decorated with a hand-painted 22-karat gold dragon pursuing the sacred Tama jewel. This artistic presentation perfectly complements the importance of the blade itself.

Today, the legacy of Sadakazu continues through the renowned Gassan lineage, including his son Gassan Sadakatsu and the modern master Gassan Sadatoshi.

Combining documented provenance, outstanding craftsmanship, magnificent horimono, and NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certification, this katana represents a rare opportunity to acquire a museum-quality work by one of the most important swordsmiths in Japanese history.

Specifications

• Smith: Gassan Sadakazu
• Date: May 1864 (Genji 1)
• Period: Late Edo Period
• Nagasa: 76.9 cm
• Sori: 1.2 cm
• Weight: 1045 g
• Certification: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken
• Reference: Shin Shintō Taikan, page 109
• Mounting: Custom royal-blue lacquered shirasaya with hand-painted 22k gold dragon decoration

A documented and certified masterpiece from one of the greatest names in the history of Japanese swordmaking.