Antique Nihonto Katana Attributed to Takada NBTHK HOZON TOKEN Certificate

Authentic Nihontō Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Takada 高田 NBTHK HOZON TŌKEN Certificate 

In the early Kamakura period, renowned smiths such as 定秀 (Sadahide) and 行平 (Yukihira) emerged in 豊後国 (Bungo Province). During the Nanbokucho period, 友行 (Tomoyuki) appeared in Takada, Bungo Province, and became the founder of the esteemed 古高田 (Ko-Takada) school. There are five national-designated swords from this school, including the national treasure 大太刀 (great sword) dedicated to 大山祇神社 (Oyamazumi Shrine) in 1470, attributed to 友行 and known as "伝豊後友行 附野太刀拵" (attributed to Bungo Tomoyuki with field sword mountings).

From the era of 長盛 (Nagamori), son of 重行 (Shigeyuki) who was a disciple of Tomoyuki, the surname changed from 藤原 (Fujiwara) to 平 (Taira). Therefore, works from the Muromachi period are referred to as 平高田 (Taira Takada). In the late Sengoku period, the Takada smiths reached their peak under the protection of the 大友氏 (Otomo clan), producing functional swords comparable to those from Bizen and Mino.

During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, the fall of the Otomo clan led to a temporary decline, but the Takada smiths revived due to the benefits of maritime transport. From the era of 統行 (Tadayuki) onwards, the Fujiwara surname was restored, and the school became known as 藤原高田 (Fujiwara Takada).

The Takada smiths adopted techniques from other traditions, producing a wide range of works renowned for their sharpness, appealing to mid-level samurai. The smiths 統行 (Tadayuki), 重行 (Shigeyuki), and 行長 (Yukinaga) were particularly praised and classified as 良業物 (Ryowazamono), with Yukinaga’s blades known for their excellent sharpness.

This sword has been significantly shortened but retains a dignified appearance with an extended tip. The grain of the steel is well-forged with a visible grain pattern (杢目肌), and it includes chikei. The hamon is generally clear and deep, with tight sections, showing features such as ashi, kinsugi, and inazuma, with sunagashi and kuichigai-ha visible towards the lower part. The boshi extends to the fukura and displays a robust return.

The previous owner undertook extensive work, including fitting a gold-mounted tachi habaki, creating a Shirasaya case, and polishing. It is in pristine condition. A previous preservation sword certification was not satisfactory for the owner, leading to the certificate being discarded.

Registered as number 150 in the daimyo registry of Oita Prefecture in 1951, this sword was indeed owned by a daimyo. It is recommended to undergo the preservation sword certification process again.

Bare weight: 714 grams.

Nihontō Information