Blade for a Sword (Katana)
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Blade for a Sword (Katana)
- Swordsmith: Blade inscribed by Masahiro (Japanese, Hizen 1607–1665)
- Steel-chiseler: Decorated by Kokeguchi Senshu (Japanese, 1922–12011)
- Date: dated 1653; decorated 1980 and 2006
- Geography: Saga Prefecture
- Culture: Japanese
- Medium: Steel
- Dimensions: L. 33 3/4 in. (85.7 cm); L. of cutting edge 26 7/8 in. (68.1 cm); D. of curvature 5/8 in. (1.7 cm)
- Classification: Sword Blades
- Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of Brayton Ives and W. T. Walters, by exchange, 2012
- Object Number: 2012.36a–d
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Masahiro
late 18th century
Japanese
5th century
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late 14th century
Omori Hidenaga
18th century
Miyairi Norihiro
2013
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