Bishū Tomo-jū Sadatsugu Kodachi
備州鞆住貞次 小太刀

Item No. TK005

  • Period: Koto, Mid Muromachi 康正二年二月 (Kōshō Ni-nen Ni-Gatsu) - February 1456.

  • Designation: Tokubetsu Hozon (Kodachi) & Tokubetsu Hozon (Koshirae)

  • Mei (Signature): 備州鞆住貞次 Bishū Tomo-jū Sadatsugu

  • Nakago: Suriage

  • Mekugiana - 3

  • Nagasa - 57.9cm

  • Sori - 1.6cm

  • Motohaba - 2.6cm

  • Sakihaba - 1.8cm

  • Kissaki - 3.2cm

  • Nakago length - 14.3cm

Price：¥ 2,800,000

Bishū Tomo-jū Sadatsugu

貞次 (Sadatsugu) was a distinguished Japanese swordsmith from the Muromachi period, specifically around the Kōshō era (1455-1457). He was active in 鞆 (Tomo), a port town in 備後国 (Bingo Province), which corresponds to present-day Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Sadatsugu is considered the founder of the 鞆三原派 (Tomo-Mihara School), a branch of the Mihara School of swordsmiths. The Mihara School itself originated in the Kamakura period and was known for producing high-quality blades.

During the Muromachi period, Tomo flourished as a port town, benefiting from its strategic location near the Chūgoku Mountains, which were rich in iron resources. This proximity allowed swordsmiths like Sadatsugu to access essential materials for forging blades.

Sadatsugu's works are considered rare and valuable, reflecting the rich tradition of Japanese sword-making. His contributions have been recognized in various exhibitions and are preserved as cultural artifacts, highlighting the historical importance of the Tomo region in Japan's metallurgical history.

The Kodachi 小太刀 - A Blade of Elegance and Historical Adaptation

This exceptional Kodachi represents both timeless artistry and practical evolution. While the blade is machi-okuri suriage—shortened with its notches adjusted—its form and proportions confirm that it was originally crafted as a Kodachi, showcasing the skill and intention of the swordsmith.

Of particular note is the breathtaking hitatsura hamon, a full-pattern tempering that flows dynamically across the blade. This intricate and rare feature enhances the blade’s aesthetic appeal while reflecting the swordsmith's expertise in creating functional art.

The blade was likely shortened during the late Muromachi period (1467–1573), Many tachi were shortened (suriage) during this period to adapt to these fighting styles. It was a time when samurai combat emphasized adaptability and precision. The shift to lighter, more maneuverable blades was a response to the period's increasingly dynamic battlefield conditions, making weapons like this Kodachi ideal for close-quarters skirmishes and fast, decisive movements.

Despite its alterations, the Kodachi retains its original elegance, offering a balance of form and function.

The Wild Beauty of Hitatsura

The hitatsura hamon, renowned for its wild and unrestrained patterns, is a breathtaking example of the swordsmith's artistry. This particular kodachi boasts a mesmerizing hitatsura hamon, which extends chaotically along the blade, creating a dynamic and visually striking aesthetic.

Hitatsura, often translated as "full temper," is a unique style of hamon where the patterns are not confined to the edge but stretch irregularly across the blade's surface. This "wild" nature gives each blade a one-of-a-kind character, as though the steel itself has been brought to life.

Throughout this kodachi, you'll find an abundance of aranie (coarse nie crystals) that shimmer under the light, creating a texture that speaks of strength and resilience. Kinsuji (streaks) flow elegantly within the hamon, adding depth and complexity to the design. These features, combined with the wild and chaotic nature of hitatsura, produce an intricate interplay of light and shadow, evoking the essence of controlled chaos.

Each detail in this hamon tells a story of exceptional craftsmanship and natural beauty, making it a piece that commands both attention and respect. If you're seeking a blade that embodies energy, artistry, and uniqueness, this kodachi with its hitatsura hamon is a perfect choice.

Itomaki Tachi Koshirae – A Masterpiece of Elegance

This exquisite Itomaki Tachi Koshirae, paired with the Bishū Tomo-jū Sadatsugu Kodachi, embodies the pinnacle of Japanese sword aesthetics and craftsmanship. Rooted in tradition, the itomaki style is characterized by its intricate silk cord wrapping on the lacquered scabbard (saya), a design that is profoundly decorative.

The term Itomaki no Tachi (糸巻太刀) translates to "silk-wrapped great sword." This style of koshirae was often used to mount precious blades, many of which predated the mountings by centuries. It was common to see swords from the 13th to 16th centuries by renowned Bizen or Soshū masters paired with these fittings.

During the Edo period, the Itomaki no Tachi evolved into a ceremonial style, traditionally worn with formal attire known as reifuku (礼服).

In the Edo period, these ceremonial mounts were typically crafted with black shakudō fittings and adorned with family crests (mon) in gold. The intricate work was often performed by the esteemed Goto family, renowned sword fitting artisans who served the Tokugawa shogunate directly.

Key Features:

  • Scabbard (Saya): The saya is crafted with a rich Kin Nashiji (gold lacquer) finish, adorned with a scattered chrysanthemum design (Rangiku Chiri Kin-e), symbolizing longevity and rejuvenation. The surface shimmers with an elegant gold tone, evoking sophistication and traditional Japanese artistry.

  • Koshirae (Fittings):

    • Menuki, Fuchi, and Kashira: Embellished with intricate paulownia crest (Kirimon) motifs, these fittings are crafted in gold and shakudō, showcasing the delicate interplay of texture and contrast.

    • Tsuba: The tsuba features a harmonious paulownia crest design inlaid on a refined black shakudō base, underscoring its historical and aesthetic significance.

  • Handle (Tsuka):

    • Wrapped with a Gold single-layer colored thread (iroito hitoe maki), the tsuka maintains a symmetrical and polished appearance. The brocade accents and wrapping are uniform, ensuring a seamless design flow.

  • The koshirae exhibits watari-tsuke-dōgara (matching design throughout), achieving balance and cohesiveness in every component, from the hilt to the fittings.

    This Itomaki Tachi Koshirae exemplifies the meticulous attention to detail characteristic of late Edo to early Meiji craftsmanship. Each element, from the gold brocade accents to the shakudō components, was chosen to reflect both functionality and artistry. The paulownia crest is a symbol often associated with imperial heritage and authority, adding to the cultural significance of this koshirae.

    This koshirae is in excellent condition, with no signs of wear. The lacquerwork, fittings, and wrapping remain vibrant and intact, demonstrating exceptional preservation.

Close up Shot of the Shakudo Parts.