Dolch - Japan

Tanto Shimizu Tadatsugu NBTHK Hozon Exhibited Presentation Blade.
NBTHK Hozon  Preserved Sword.

Swordsmith
This exceptional Shōwa period tantō, forged in 1965 by Shimizu Tadatsugu, is a deeply personal and symbolic work, created as a New Year’s gift for Shigeta Gorō, who was born in the Year of the Tiger (1944) a zodiac sign traditionally associated with courage, strength, protection, and warrior spirit.
Shimizu Tadatsugu was born in 1921 and worked in Aoto, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. He was a disciple of Yoshiwara Kuni and later served as an advisor to the All Japan Swordsmith Association. During his career he received multiple awards, including Gold and Silver Awards at the Tōtō Meitō Exhibition. He is respected for disciplined forging, correct traditional form, and refined workmanship. The NBTHK Hozon certification confirms the authenticity and quality of this work.

Made for
This tantō was forged as a New Year’s presentation sword for Shigeta Gorō, born in the Year of the Tiger 1944, a zodiac associated with strength, courage, and protection. The tang bears an authenticated dedication reading: “Shōwa, Year of the Tiger, New Year  presented to Shigeta Gorō, sword brother,” confirming the personal and symbolic nature of the blade.

Exhibition
The tantō was officially exhibited at the 2018 Contemporary Swordsmith Exhibition and entered in the polishing division, where it was prepared to competition level by a professional togishi. The exhibition entry is published in Tōken Bijutsu No. 738 (July 2018), providing rare published documentation for this specific signed and dedicated piece.

In Japanese sword culture, such presentation blades carry deep meaning, symbolizing respect, strength, protection, and lifelong bonds. The Tiger zodiac further reinforces the martial character traditionally associated with courage and resolve.

The inscription has been fully authenticated and accepted by the NBTHK.

Blade description
Forged in hira-zukuri, the blade shows a wide and well-balanced sugata with a refined notare-midare based hamon that is even and well controlled throughout. The jihada is clean and healthy with excellent clarity, and the crisp lines and geometry reflect the high standard of polish and overall condition.

Inscription
The shirasaya bears an unusually detailed inscription. One side records the smith, presentation dedication, exact New Year Tiger-year date, and blade length. The reverse side quotes Yoshida Shōin’s “Seven Rules for the Samurai,” stating that nothing is greater than righteousness in the way of the warrior, that righteousness is carried out through courage, and that courage endures because of righteousness. This philosophical text adds notable ethical and symbolic depth to the presentation blade.

Right Side with smith name & dedication

義忠次
Yoshitada (Shimizu Tadatsugu)

第壱回選抜展出品作
Work exhibited at the 1st Selected Exhibition

贈 重田五郎 剣兄
Presented to Shigeta Gorō, sword brother

昭和甲寅年 新春
Shōwa, Year of the Tiger, New Year (1944)

刀長二九糎
Blade length: 29 cm

忠次造
Made by Tadatsugu

Left Side philosophical inscription

士道義より大なるは無し
There is nothing greater than righteousness in the way of the warrior

義は勇に因って行われ
Righteousness is carried out through courage

勇は義に因って長し
Courage endures because of righteousness

松陰先生士規七則より
From Master Yoshida Shōin’s Seven Rules for the Samurai

Measurements
Nagasa (blade length) 29.1 cm
Sori: approx  0.3 mm
Motohaba approx. 3.05 cm
Kasane  approx. 4.5 mm
Exceptional Tantō by Shimizu Tadatsugu  NBTHK Hozon, Documented Presentation blade.

An outstanding Shōwa-period tantō by the respected swordsmith Shimizu Tadatsugu , created as a New Year’s presentation sword and bearing a named dedication. This blade combines documented provenance, competition-level polish, and NBTHK Hozon certification, placing it well above standard modern works.