Japanese Masterpice Katana by Gassan Sadakazu NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Documented in Shin Shintō Taikan

Japanese Katana by Gassan Sadakazu

An exceptional and historically important Japanese katana forged by Gassan Sadakazu, one of the most celebrated swordsmiths of the late Edo and Meiji periods. Fully signed and dated, decorated with magnificent horimono, certified NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon and documented in the renowned reference work Shin Shintō Taikan, this sword represents a rare opportunity to acquire an outstanding work from the prestigious Gassan tradition.

Forged in May 1864

The katana was forged in May 1864, during the first year of the Genji era. This was one of the final and most turbulent periods of the Tokugawa shogunate, only a few years before the Meiji Restoration transformed Japan forever.

With an impressive nagasa of approximately 76.9 cm, the blade has a long, powerful and dignified sugata. Its controlled curvature and commanding proportions give the sword a strong presence while preserving the elegance associated with the finest work of the late Shin-Shintō period.

Full Signature and Date

The omote of the nakago bears the inscription:

於摂州生玉月山貞一鍛之
Oite Sesshū Ikutama Gassan Sadakazu kore o kitaeru

This may be translated as:

“Forged by Gassan Sadakazu at Ikutama in Settsu Province.”

The ura is dated:

元治元甲子歳五月日
Genji gannen kinoe-ne toshi gogatsu hi

Meaning:

“A day in the fifth month of Genji 1, the kinoe-ne year.”

This corresponds to May 1864. The long inscription is particularly valuable because it records not only the swordsmith and date, but also the location where the blade was created: Ikutama in Settsu Province, historically part of the Osaka region.

Gassan Sadakazu: Imperial Household Artist

Gassan Sadakazu was adopted into the Gassan lineage by Gassan Sadayoshi and developed into one of the most technically versatile swordsmiths of his generation. Although firmly rooted in the ancient Gassan tradition, he mastered a wide range of classical forging styles and became renowned for both the quality of his blades and the exceptional refinement of his horimono.

Sadakazu’s importance extends far beyond his individual swords. Following the Haitōrei decree of 1876, which prohibited the public wearing of swords, many traditional swordsmiths were forced to abandon their craft. Sadakazu continued to work throughout this difficult period and played a crucial role in preserving the knowledge, techniques and artistic legacy of Japanese swordmaking.

On 4 April 1906, Gassan Sadakazu and Miyamoto Kanenori were appointed Teishitsu Gigeiin, or Artists to the Imperial Household. They were the only two swordsmiths to receive this prestigious distinction. The appointment placed Sadakazu among Japan’s foremost artists and officially recognised his exceptional contribution to Japanese cultural heritage.

Refined Forging and Hamon

The polished blade reveals beautifully worked steel and the assured craftsmanship expected from a master of Sadakazu’s standing.

Its hamon is based on an elegant suguha, enriched with delicate internal activity. Fine kinsuji, flowing sunagashi and further hataraki appear within and alongside the hardened edge. These details create movement and visual depth without disturbing the dignified restraint of the overall composition.

This refined balance between strength and subtlety demonstrates Sadakazu’s exceptional control over forging, shaping and heat treatment.

Magnificent Dragon Horimono

One of the most remarkable features of this katana is its elaborate and masterfully executed horimono.

A powerful dragon extends dynamically across the surface of the blade. Its long, sinuous body follows the natural line of the sword, producing a composition filled with movement and energy. The opposing side is decorated with finely carved esoteric Buddhist imagery, including bonji and ritual symbolism.

Within Japanese culture, the dragon represents strength, wisdom, protection and mastery over the forces of nature. Combined with Buddhist iconography, the carving gives the katana a profound spiritual dimension.

Sadakazu was admired not only as a swordsmith, but also for his exceptional skill as an engraver. The precision, balance and confident execution of the carving transform this blade from a formidable weapon into a complete work of Japanese art.

Published in Shin Shintō Taikan

This katana has the considerable distinction of being recorded in the authoritative reference work Shin Shintō Taikan on page 109.

Publication in such an important scholarly reference establishes documented provenance and places the sword within the recognised body of work by Gassan Sadakazu. This documentation adds significant academic and historical importance to an already exceptional blade.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon

The sword is accompanied by prestigious NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken certification, certificate number 1020766, issued on 25 August 2023.

The certificate confirms the signature, date and recorded length of the katana. Tokubetsu Hozon certification is awarded to authentic Japanese swords of superior quality and importance that are considered especially worthy of continued preservation.

The blade is housed in a traditional wooden shirasaya, providing the appropriate protection for long-term conservation.

An Important Collector’s Sword

This katana unites all the qualities sought in a major Japanese sword:

Forged by Imperial Household Artist Gassan Sadakazu
Fully signed and dated May 1864
Made at Ikutama in Settsu Province
Impressive blade length of approximately 76.9 cm
Magnificent dragon and Buddhist horimono
Published in Shin Shintō Taikan, page 109
Certified NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon
Preserved in traditional shirasaya

A long, dated katana by Gassan Sadakazu is already highly desirable. An example combining elaborate horimono, prestigious modern NBTHK certification and publication in a recognised scholarly reference is considerably more difficult to obtain.

This is not merely an exceptional Japanese sword, but a powerful expression of Gassan Sadakazu’s artistry and an important surviving testament to the enduring legacy of the Gassan tradition.

Specifications
Detail Description
Object Japanese katana
Swordsmith Gassan Sadakazu
School Gassan tradition
Signature Oite Sesshū Ikutama Gassan Sadakazu kore o kitaeru
Translation Forged by Gassan Sadakazu at Ikutama in Settsu Province
Date inscription Genji gannen kinoe-ne toshi gogatsu hi
Date May 1864
Period Late Edo / Shin-Shintō
Place of manufacture Ikutama, Settsu Province
Nagasa Approximately 76.9 cm
Sori 1.2 cm
Blade weight 1,045 g
Hamon Suguha with kinsuji, sunagashi and further activity
Horimono Dragon and esoteric Buddhist imagery
Nakago Ubu, fully signed and dated
Mounting Traditional wooden shirasaya
Certification NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken
Certificate number 1020766
Certificate date 25 August 2023
Published reference Shin Shintō Taikan, page 109
Short Introduction

An exceptional 76.9 cm katana by Imperial Household Artist Gassan Sadakazu, fully signed and dated May 1864. Decorated with magnificent dragon and Buddhist horimono, certified NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon and published in Shin Shintō Taikan, this is an important and highly collectable work from one of Japan’s greatest swordmaking lineages.