Blade for a Sword (Katana)

Masahiro|Kokeguchi Senshu

dated 1653; decorated 1980 and 2006 · Steel · Arms and Armor

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.

Artist

Masahiro|Kokeguchi Senshu

Date

dated 1653; decorated 1980 and 2006

Medium

Steel

Culture

Japanese

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Gift of Brayton Ives and W. T. Walters, by exchange, 2012