Katana - Japan
09
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07
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 15,000 - € 17,000
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Description from the seller
Japanese Katana Yamaguchi Kiyofusa Mukansa Prime Minister Zenkō Suzuki Dedication Mochi Tetsu Gendaitō
“A rare Mukansa katana formally dedicated to Japan’s Prime Minister Zenkō Suzuki, forged in 1982 by Yamaguchi Kiyofusa using traditional mochi-tetsu iron.”
This exceptional Japanese katana was forged in Shōwa 57 (1982) by the highly respected Mukansa swordsmith Yamaguchi Kiyofusa (山口清房) and bears a formal dedication to Japan’s Prime Minister Zenkō Suzuki on the nakago.
The inscription is contemporaneous and protocol correct, including the honorific 閣下 (Kakka / “His Excellency”), a formal title reserved for individuals of the highest governmental rank in Japan. Combined with the term 奉献 (“respectfully dedicated”), the inscription confirms the blade was created and presented within an official and ceremonial cultural framework.
Yamaguchi Kiyofusa is recognized as a Mukansa swordsmith, one of the highest distinctions within modern Japanese swordsmithing. The Mukansa title is reserved for smiths whose workmanship is considered beyond competitive judgment within the NBTHK exhibition system. His work is respected for its disciplined forging, refined structure, elegant sugata, and balanced traditional construction.
This katana was forged using mochi-tetsu, a regionally important iron associated with northern Japan and valued for its dense structure and forging characteristics. The blade is fully hand forged and traditionally differentially hardened using clay tempering techniques.
Beyond its technical quality, the historical importance of this sword lies in its direct dedication to Prime Minister Zenkō Suzuki during his active tenure as leader of Japan. Presentation swords dedicated to senior political figures are rare within the modern nihontō world and occupy a highly specialized collecting category combining craftsmanship, historical relevance, and documented provenance.
The blade presents a powerful and elegant sugata with refined proportions and excellent overall balance consistent with high level Mukansa workmanship.
Technical Details
Nagasa: 74.4 cm
Sori: 2.4 cm
Motohaba: 3.3 cm
Kasane: 7.5 mm
Sakihaba: 2.35 cm
Sakikasane: 5 mm
Mekugi-ana: 1
Period: Shōwa 57 (1982)
Origin: Iwate Prefecture, Japan
A highly important modern presentation katana where Mukansa craftsmanship, political history, and documented dedication converge with exceptional clarity.
For advanced collectors of high level gendaitō, Mukansa works, and historically significant modern Japanese swords.
Seller's Story
Continuing your pursuit of the Bushido path and Japanese antiques, you may discover that each piece you encounter carries a unique narrative, inviting you to unveil the wisdom and ethos of the Samurai. Through these artifacts, you can forge a personal connection to the noble ideals of Bushido, allowing you to understand:
Honor, discipline, integrity, and loyalty.
It is our way of life that we share with you.
We hope you enjoy your journey into Japanese history, just as we do.
looking forward to meet
Member Dutch Token Society
Website www bushidoshop nl
Translated by Google TranslateJapanese Katana Yamaguchi Kiyofusa Mukansa Prime Minister Zenkō Suzuki Dedication Mochi Tetsu Gendaitō
“A rare Mukansa katana formally dedicated to Japan’s Prime Minister Zenkō Suzuki, forged in 1982 by Yamaguchi Kiyofusa using traditional mochi-tetsu iron.”
This exceptional Japanese katana was forged in Shōwa 57 (1982) by the highly respected Mukansa swordsmith Yamaguchi Kiyofusa (山口清房) and bears a formal dedication to Japan’s Prime Minister Zenkō Suzuki on the nakago.
The inscription is contemporaneous and protocol correct, including the honorific 閣下 (Kakka / “His Excellency”), a formal title reserved for individuals of the highest governmental rank in Japan. Combined with the term 奉献 (“respectfully dedicated”), the inscription confirms the blade was created and presented within an official and ceremonial cultural framework.
Yamaguchi Kiyofusa is recognized as a Mukansa swordsmith, one of the highest distinctions within modern Japanese swordsmithing. The Mukansa title is reserved for smiths whose workmanship is considered beyond competitive judgment within the NBTHK exhibition system. His work is respected for its disciplined forging, refined structure, elegant sugata, and balanced traditional construction.
This katana was forged using mochi-tetsu, a regionally important iron associated with northern Japan and valued for its dense structure and forging characteristics. The blade is fully hand forged and traditionally differentially hardened using clay tempering techniques.
Beyond its technical quality, the historical importance of this sword lies in its direct dedication to Prime Minister Zenkō Suzuki during his active tenure as leader of Japan. Presentation swords dedicated to senior political figures are rare within the modern nihontō world and occupy a highly specialized collecting category combining craftsmanship, historical relevance, and documented provenance.
The blade presents a powerful and elegant sugata with refined proportions and excellent overall balance consistent with high level Mukansa workmanship.
Technical Details
Nagasa: 74.4 cm
Sori: 2.4 cm
Motohaba: 3.3 cm
Kasane: 7.5 mm
Sakihaba: 2.35 cm
Sakikasane: 5 mm
Mekugi-ana: 1
Period: Shōwa 57 (1982)
Origin: Iwate Prefecture, Japan
A highly important modern presentation katana where Mukansa craftsmanship, political history, and documented dedication converge with exceptional clarity.
For advanced collectors of high level gendaitō, Mukansa works, and historically significant modern Japanese swords.
Seller's Story
Continuing your pursuit of the Bushido path and Japanese antiques, you may discover that each piece you encounter carries a unique narrative, inviting you to unveil the wisdom and ethos of the Samurai. Through these artifacts, you can forge a personal connection to the noble ideals of Bushido, allowing you to understand:
Honor, discipline, integrity, and loyalty.
It is our way of life that we share with you.
We hope you enjoy your journey into Japanese history, just as we do.
looking forward to meet
Member Dutch Token Society
Website www bushidoshop nl
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
Excellent
Height
3 cm
Width
3 cm
Depth
3 cm
Overall Length
74.4 cm
Estimated period
1980-1990
Sold by
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
