This refined Katana is a certified NBTHK Hozon work by the esteemed smith Omi no Kami Fujiwara Tsuguhiro. Measuring 65.0 cm with a 1.2 cm sori, the blade exhibits the characteristic "Kanbun Shinto" silhouette—a shape favored by the samurai of the early Edo period for its balanced handling and functional efficiency. The tang is remarkably preserved with two mekugi-ana and a clear, dual-sided signature: the front bearing his prestigious title and name, while the reverse indicates his residence in Echizen under the Shimosaka school name.
The blade's aesthetics are rooted in the Mino-den tradition, featuring a dense and well-forged itame grain. The hamon is a masterful gunome-midare, showing the bright, cloud-like nioikuchi that was a hallmark of the Shimosaka smiths who served the highest levels of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
The sword is adorned with a thematic koshirae celebrating Inaho (the rice harvest), a symbol of wealth and divine protection in Japanese culture. The tsuba is a masterful iron sukashi (openwork) piece depicting sheaves of ripening rice. This motif is elegantly continued in the menuki and fuchi-kashira, which feature high-relief carvings of farmers and scenes of abundance. The saya is finished in a deep, lustrous black lacquer, providing a sober yet high-status aesthetic that complements the golden silk tsuka-ito.
Omi no Kami Tsuguhiro was a prominent figure within the Echizen Shimosaka school during the mid-17th century. As a direct apprentice to the third-generation Yasutsugu, Tsuguhiro inherited the elite technical secrets of the Okakaekaji (the official smiths to the Shogun). While primarily based in Echizen, historical records show that his skill was so highly regarded that he was also active in the capital city of Edo. His work is celebrated for bridging the gap between the rugged practicality of Sengoku-era blades and the refined artistry of the peaceful Edo period.
The Echizen Shimosaka School rose to national fame under the patronage of the Tokugawa clan. Founded by the first-generation Yasutsugu—who was granted the use of the "Aoi" (Holly Oak) crest and the character "Yasu" by Tokugawa Ieyasu—the school became synonymous with the "Shinto" (New Sword) era. Blades from this lineage were world-renowned for their refined polish and functional resilience, drawing heavily from the Mino-den style. This katana stands as a testament to that legacy, representing the peak of craftsmanship in the Hokuriku region under the service of the Matsudaira and Tokugawa families.
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Yes, we ship worldwide. However, it is the customer's responsibility to ensure that importing bladed weapons is legal in your country or region.
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for unused, unmodified items in original packaging.
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.
