This is a magnificent Katana certified NBTHK Hozon, attributed to the prestigious Ishidō school. Boasting a commanding 71.0 cm nagasa and an exceptionally deep 2.2 cm sori, this blade exhibits a graceful, tachi-like silhouette that was highly favored by high-ranking samurai during the early Edo period. The blade is mumei (unsigned), a common occurrence for high-quality blades that were shortened (o-suriage) or originally intended for high-status attribution.
The Ishidō smiths were renowned for their ability to revive the magnificent Bizen-den styles of the Kamakura period, particularly the flamboyant Ichimonji tradition. This blade showcases that mastery through a vivid and active hamon characterized by clove-shaped (choji) undulations and a clear, healthy steel texture (jihada).
The sword is housed in a refined set of traditional mountings. The saya is finished in a classic kuroro (deep black polished lacquer), offering a timeless and dignified aesthetic. The tsuka (hilt) is wrapped in a distinctive deep-green silk ito over high-grade rayskin.
The tsuba is an iron sukashi (openwork) design featuring the Imperial Chrysanthemum (Kiku) and Paulownia (Kiri) motifs, symbols of authority and honor. The kashira is crafted from a rich copper-gold alloy (suaka or shakudo) featuring a high-relief depiction of autumn grain or millet stalks, symbolizing a bountiful harvest and prosperity.
The Ishidō school originally hailed from Omi province but gained its greatest fame in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the 17th century. Known as the "Edo Ishidō" lineage, these smiths—including masters like Mitsuhira and Tsunemitsu—specialized in recreating the complex, flower-like choji-midare hamon of the ancient Bizen masters. Their work was so technically proficient that many Ishidō blades were historically mistaken for authentic Kamakura-era Ichimonji works.
As leaders of the Bizen-den revival in the Shinto (New Sword) era, the Ishidō school represented the pinnacle of artistic sword making in the Shogun’s capital. Their blades are characterized by a combination of visual splendor and robust construction. With a 2.2 cm curvature, this particular piece stands out as an exceptionally elegant example of the school's output, offering the presence of a battlefield sword with the refined finish of a piece of fine art.
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We offer multiple steel types: 1045 Carbon Steel, 1060 Carbon Steel, 1095 High-Carbon Steel, T10 Tool Steel, and Manganese Steel — each suited to different performance and budget needs.
Most of our modern Katanas are handcrafted in China, in a region that is world-renowned for its specialization in making high-quality, affordable swords.
At MINKATANA, every blade is forged by seasoned master craftsmen who dedicate their skill and passion to each piece. From the folding of the steel to the finishing of the handle, our katanas are built to the highest standards — true collector's pieces worthy of display and admiration.
