Difference between revisions of "Famous Samurai Swords"

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When a picture is not available, there is an ''oshigata'', a professional drawing showing the details of the blade. Historical accuracy here is sometimes flexible due to the high esteem Japanese often hold for these items. Nicknames always refers to the sword, never to the smith.         
 
When a picture is not available, there is an ''oshigata'', a professional drawing showing the details of the blade. Historical accuracy here is sometimes flexible due to the high esteem Japanese often hold for these items. Nicknames always refers to the sword, never to the smith.         
 
    
 
    
[[File:Ichimonji.jpg|center|thumb|919px|A 13th century blade known as Fukuoka Ichimonji Sukezane, by the [[Kamakura period]] swordsmith Sukezane. Given to [[Tokugawa Ieyasu]] as a gift from [[Kato Kiyomasa|Katô Kiyomasa]]; now held at [[Nikko Toshogu|Nikkô Tôshôgû]]. [[National Treasure]].]]
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[[File:Ichimonji.jpg|center|thumb|919px|A 13th century blade known as Fukuoka Ichimonji Sukezane, by the [[Kamakura period]] swordsmith Sukezane. Previously held by the [[Kii Tokugawa clan]]; now held at [[Tokyo National Museum]]. [[National Treasure]].]]
  
 
* [[Akechi Mitsuhide|Akechi Mitsuhide's]] sword : made by Bishû Osafune ju Chikakage (active in Gen-O, 1319) [http://www.sho-shin.com/chikkag1.JPG Picture]
 
* [[Akechi Mitsuhide|Akechi Mitsuhide's]] sword : made by Bishû Osafune ju Chikakage (active in Gen-O, 1319) [http://www.sho-shin.com/chikkag1.JPG Picture]

Revision as of 09:12, 5 September 2014

This page is a partial list of the most famous samurai swords, ordered by name of the owner. Most of those listed belonged to several owners during their history, and are today designated as National Treasures. In addition, note that while a given sword may be identified with a given historical figure, any given figure owned and used multiple swords over the course of their lives.

When a picture is not available, there is an oshigata, a professional drawing showing the details of the blade. Historical accuracy here is sometimes flexible due to the high esteem Japanese often hold for these items. Nicknames always refers to the sword, never to the smith.

A 13th century blade known as Fukuoka Ichimonji Sukezane, by the Kamakura period swordsmith Sukezane. Previously held by the Kii Tokugawa clan; now held at Tokyo National Museum. National Treasure.
  • Ii Naomasa's sword: made by Rai Kunimitsu (debated if Jirôbe or Beijô, active from 1312 or 1350) Picture
  • Emperor Meiji's (favorite) sword : made by Ayanokoji Sadatoshi (active 1232). National Treasure. Picture
  • Minamoto no Yorimitsu's sword : made by Hoki Yasutsuna Daidô (active 806 - questioned) nicknamed Dôjigiri Yasutsuna ("Monster-Cutter Yasutsuna"). National Treasure. Picture
  • A blade called Nobeoka Mitsutada, forged around 1220 in Nobeoka, in modern-day Miyazaki prefecture. Long owned by the Naitô family of Nobeoka, it is believed stolen in 1946, and remains listed today on the FBI's National Stolen Art File.[2]
  • Shôtoku Taishi's sword : very early work, date debated. Horimono (carvings) gave it its nickname, "Heishishorin." Picture
  • The Toyotomi clan sword Nansen, made by the Kamakura period smith Ichimonji. Recovered after the Osaka Campaigns by Tokugawa Ieyasu.

References

  • Morgan Pitelka. "Art, Agency, and Networks in the Career of Tokugawa Ieyasu." in A Companion to Asian Art and Architecture. Wiley-Blackwell, 2011, 460.
  1. Gallery labels, Naha City Museum of History.
  2. FBI - NSAF - Nobeoka Mitsutada
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