Tantō with Inscription, by Gyokumitsu
Basic Information
- Catalog ID: 201
- Item ID: 452
- Category: Crafts
- Country: Japan
- Period: Kamakura Period
- Date designated: March 20, 1954
- Prefecture: Tokyo
- Location: Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo
- Owner: National Research Institute of Cultural Properties
Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)
Overview
This tantō (short dagger) was created by Gyokumitsu, a master swordsmith who worked in Sagami Province (modern Kanagawa Prefecture) during the late Kamakura Period. Gyokumitsu significantly contributed to establishing the sword style known as Sōshū-den. This masterpiece transmits his exceptional technical skill to the present day. It is a historically significant blade that was passed down through the Kaga Maeda family and is currently held by the Tokyo National Museum. Furthermore, its clear inscription of the maker’s name makes it an artifact of extremely high historical value.
Historical Context
From the mid-to-late Kamakura Period, following the national crisis presented by the Mongol invasions (Genkō), Japanese swords were required to possess more practical and robust performance. In response, a new style called Sōshū-den emerged, centered in Kamakura, Sagami Province. Gyokumitsu is said to be a student (or perhaps son) of Shindō Gokukō, who is considered the founder of the Sōshū-den school. He was also reputed to have been the master or father of the famous swordsmith Masamune. The late Kamakura Period when this piece was created represents the pinnacle where Japanese swords achieved both functional beauty and artistic excellence as weapons.
Features and Appeal
This tantō combines the characteristic power of the Sōshū-den style with a refined, delicate beauty.
- Refined Form and Structure: It possesses the compact shape typical of late Kamakura tantō. A key feature is its “three ridges” (mitsu-mune) structure, where the spine (or ridge) is composed of three distinct planes. Its dignified appearance symbolizes the spirit of the samurai class of that era.
- Forged Blade Core: The blade core exhibits a deep texture, featuring well-developed itamehada (plaque skin pattern). It also shows thick jinie crystallization and raised black linear patterns called chikei.
- Elegant Temper Line: The temper line (hamon) is a wide, straight type known as hirosuguha, displaying complex variations such as double tempering or hammer marks. Strong nie crystallization gives it an air of nobility and power characteristic of Gyokumitsu.
- “Gyokumitsu” Inscription: The tang (the base of the blade) is clearly inscribed with the two characters “Gyokumitsu,” serving as valuable proof that this piece was made by him.