Blade for a Sword (Katana)
Blade inscribed by Masahiro Japanese
Decorated by Kokeguchi Senshu Japanese
Not on view
The Edo period swordsmith Masahiro was the most important student of Tadayoshi (later called Tadahiro), leader of the Hizen school, the largest and one of the most important schools of swordsmiths of the Shinto period. Kokeguchi Senshu, who decorated this blade, is considered the greatest living artist in the field of steel-chiseling and engraving Japanese blades. Although it is not a common practice, contemporary engravers sometimes have been asked to decorate older blades since at least the sixteenth century. Mr. Kokeguchi also has engraved several modern blades made by Living National Treasure swordsmiths.
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