Tametsugu Katana
為継 刀
Item TK013

  • Period：Koto -late Kamakura period (13th century) to the early Nanbokucho period (14th century).

  • Designation: JUYO TOKEN

  • Mei (Signature): Mumei

  • Nakago - O-Suriage Mumei, 1 Mekugi-Ana

  • Nagasa - 65.75cm

  • Sori - 1.6cm

  • Motohaba - 2.95cm

  • Sakihaba - 1.95cm

  • Motokasane - 0.7cm

  • Kissaki - 3.2cm

  • Nakago length - 20.3cm

Price: ¥ 4,300,000

Tametsugu (為継) – Master Swordsmith of the Soshu Tradition

Tametsugu (為継) was an esteemed swordsmith active during the Nanbokuchō period (1336–1392), traditionally regarded as the son of the legendary Gō Yoshihiro—one of the ten celebrated disciples of Masamune (正宗十哲). Though Gō Yoshihiro’s life was brief, his influence was profound, and Tametsugu is believed to have continued his father’s legacy by studying under another of Masamune’s disciples, Norishige.

Tametsugu’s blades are renowned for their powerful expression of the Sōshū tradition. His works often feature dynamic notare hamon, chikei (dark streaks in the steel), and a jihada thick with ji-nie—hallmarks of high-level Sōshū craftsmanship. These features reflect the deep influence of both Gō Yoshihiro and Norishige in his technique and aesthetic.

Although he began his career in Echizen Province, Tametsugu later relocated to Mino. Many of his blades are unsigned (mumei) due to their age and shortening over time, but they are confidently attributed to him based on their workmanship and distinctive characteristics.

His legacy remains strong today, with 75 of his surviving works having received the Juyo Tōken (重要刀剣) designation by the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai). This spectacular blade being one of them.

JUYO TOKEN - Tametsugu Katana

Sugata

This blade is forged in shinogi-zukuri with an iori-mune, featuring an elegant ō-suriage shape and a well-proportioned chū-kissaki. Despite its age, the blade remains remarkably healthy, with a robust kasane that imparts a feeling of density and weight in hand. The overall form conveys both power and refinement, embodying the strength and dignity characteristic of the Sōshū-den tradition.

Jigane

The jigane of this Tametsugu blade displays a predominantly itame-hada structure, with mokume-hada patterns elegantly woven throughout, adding variety and richness to the steel’s surface. These two grain types blend harmoniously, producing a flowing and organic texture that is both intricate and expressive.

Subtle yet prominent chikei traverse the blade, forming dark, sinuous lines that emphasize the vitality of the forging. These natural inclusions are evenly distributed, giving the blade a sense of depth and movement that animates the entire length of the jihada.

A fine layer of ji-nie delicately covers the surface, catching light and adding a quiet brilliance to the steel. The contrast between the glistening ji-nie and the darker chikei enhances the visual dynamism of the blade, reflecting Tametsugu’s technical excellence and deep understanding of Soshu-den metallurgy.

Hamon

The hamon of this Tametsugu katana is a vibrant notare interwoven with gunome-midare, creating an elegant and undulating rhythm along the cutting edge. Under the right lighting conditions, both the blade and hamon come alive, radiating with intense clarity and brilliance—an effect that speaks to the exceptional quality of the steel and meticulous heat treatment. 

Within the hamon, a wealth of activity unfolds. Sunagashi, resembling brushed streaks of drifting sand, flow through the hardened edge, while fine kinsuji—lightning-like lines of hardened steel—dart and shimmer with energy. In certain areas, nijūba (double hamon lines) can be discerned, adding further complexity and depth to the yakiba. This rich interplay of activity offers a dynamic visual experience that evolves as the blade is turned in the light.

An especially notable feature is the presence of a Jizō-bōshi on both the omote and ura sides. Named after the iconic Jizō statues, the boshi gracefully curves into a rounded and gentle tip, forming a silhouette reminiscent of the protective figure it references. This rare boshi style adds both character and spiritual symbolism to the blade, further distinguishing it as a work of high artistic and technical refinement.

Efu Tachi Koshirae (衛府太刀拵)

This exceptional Efu Tachi Koshirae is a formal, court-style mounting of remarkable craftsmanship and aesthetic prestige, traditionally reserved for Imperial Guards (近衛府官) and high-ranking court-appointed samurai for ceremonial use. Rich in symbolism and historical significance, the koshirae is adorned with the Imperial chrysanthemum mon (菊花紋)—the crest of the Japanese Imperial family—clearly indicating an association with the highest levels of courtly or official culture.

The saya is finished in kin-nashiji (gold pearskin lacquer), creating a rich, lustrous surface that subtly reflects light with elegant depth. Scattered across the lacquer are carefully applied chrysanthemum mon, rendered with understated refinement. This pairing of imperial heraldry and lavish lacquer artistry reflects the elite ceremonial function of the piece.

All metal fittings—including the kojiri, kurikata, ashi, koiguchi, fuchi, kashira, menuki, and tsuba—are made of solid silver (銀無垢). According to the accompanying NTHK certificate, the entire set is designated as kaigu (皆具), meaning that all the fittings were crafted together as a single, unified set. This results in perfect consistency of design and form throughout the mounting.

The fittings feature finely engraved classical motifs, now softened by time. The silver has naturally aged to a subdued blackened-silver patina, imparting a dignified and antique aesthetic that enhances the koshirae’s ceremonial presence. The fittings are arranged in the traditional tachi-style configuration, with dual ashi for suspension and a woven sageo tied in a formal ceremonial knot.

The tsuka is covered in high-grade, large-nodule white samegawa (rayskin) in the traditional dashi-zame (出鮫) style—where the rayskin is left fully exposed without a wrap. This is not merely a "no wrap" construction, but a distinct style used in Efu Tachi mountings from the Edo period onward, intended to showcase the quality of the material. The kenuki-style menuki (毛抜形目貫) are embedded into the samegawa, and a silver kashira caps the hilt, with a decorative cord loop—details typical of ceremonial or parade-use swords for court officials.

Historically, this type of koshirae was worn by Imperial Guard military officers of Fourth Rank (従四位) and below, while those of Third Rank (正三位) and higher typically wore decorative straight swords (kazari-tachi). The Efu Tachi koshirae thus represents a distinguished rank within the official military hierarchy of the court, often associated with noble appointments rather than battlefield use.

This mounting is a rare and complete example of a court-style Efu Tachi ceremonial koshirae, distinguished by its kaigu silver fittings, gold lacquered saya, and the prominent display of the Imperial chrysanthemum crest. Its combination of historical prestige, refined construction, and formal design places it among the most dignified and culturally significant forms of non-combat koshirae—crafted not for war, but for representation, tradition, and the honor of Imperial service.
This Tachi comes with its own tsunagi and solid silver habaki.

Tanobe-sensei Sayagaki