Japanese Masterpice Tanto signed by Sakai Ikkansai Shigemasa with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon paper.

Exceptional Tanto by Mukansa Swordsmith Sakai Ikkansai Shigemasa (1905–1996)
Signed in Showa 51 (1976) — Featuring Dragon and Sanskrit Carving

This remarkable Tanto blade, signed in the 51st year of the Showa era (1976), was forged by Sakai Ikkansai Shigemasa (酒井一貫斎繁政), one of Japan’s most esteemed 20th-century swordsmiths.

Swordsmith Background

Shigemasa, born Sakai Kan in 1905 (Meiji 38) in Shizuoka, Japan, was the third son of Sakai Anjiro. In 1921 (Taisho 10), at the age of 16, he began his apprenticeship under Kasama Shigetsugu (笠間繁継)—a prominent swordsmith known for his mastery in traditional Japanese forging techniques.

After an intensive 15-year apprenticeship, he was granted permission to incorporate the character “繁” (Shige) from his master’s name into his own, becoming known as Shigemasa (繁正). In 1933 (Showa 8), he became an independent swordsmith.

Rikugun Jyumei Tosho – Swordsmith to the Imperial Army

Shigemasa was later honored with the prestigious title Rikugun Jyumei Tosho (陸軍受命刀匠)—a designation awarded to swordsmiths selected by the Japanese Imperial Army before and during World War II. To receive this distinction, smiths were required to submit two blades to a strict military examination. Those who passed were officially recognized as swordmakers for the army.

Post-War Period and the Name Ikkansai

After World War II, Shigemasa changed his art name to Ikkansai Shigemasa (一貫斎繁政) and continued to forge swords during Japan’s post-war revival of traditional craftsmanship.

Recognition as a Mukansa Swordsmith

In 1981, he was formally designated as a Mukansa swordsmith by the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai)—Japan’s leading sword preservation society. The title Mukansa (“beyond judgment”) is one of the highest honors a modern swordsmith can attain. A Mukansa swordsmith is permitted to exhibit blades at the annual NBTHK Modern Japanese Sword Exhibition without undergoing the usual selection process.

Since the NBTHK’s founding of this competition in 1955, only 39 swordsmiths have achieved the Mukansa title, reflecting the extraordinary rarity and prestige associated with this rank.

About This Blade

This Tanto was forged in 1976, when Shigemasa was 71 years old, a time by which he had reached full maturity in his artistic and technical skills. The blade not only reflects his exceptional forging ability but also features a superbly engraved design of a dragon and Sanskrit characters—both carved by Shigemasa himself.

He was widely celebrated not just for his swords but also for his exquisite horimono (engraving work), especially his depictions of dragons, which are known for their fluidity, detail, and spiritual power. This blade is a striking example of that mastery.

Legacy

Sakai Ikkansai Shigemasa passed away in 1996 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of swords that bridge Japan’s wartime past and its artistic rebirth. His work is admired for its technical precision, spiritual depth, and aesthetic elegance.

This particular Tanto, combining superior craftsmanship, the prestigious Mukansa designation, and intricate horimono by the smith himself, is expected to gain even greater recognition and value over time.