Japanese Katana Chikugo-jū Suketoshi NBTHK Hozon Tōken | Signed and Dated February 1869 | Early Meiji Period A Rare Signed and Dated Katana Forged at the Dawn of Modern Japan This authentic Japanese katana was forged by Chikugo-jū Suketoshi (筑後住祐利) and bears a rare and fully preserved date inscription of February, Meiji 2 (1869). Accompanied by NBTHK Hozon Tōken certification, the sword represents an important historical artifact from one of the most transformative periods in Japanese history. Created immediately following the Meiji Restoration, this blade belongs to the final generation of traditionally forged samurai swords produced before the sweeping social and political reforms that would ultimately bring an end to the samurai class. As such, it stands at the crossroads between feudal Japan and the emergence of the modern Japanese nation. Historical Context The year 1869 was a remarkable moment in Japanese history. The Boshin War had only recently concluded, the Tokugawa Shogunate had fallen, and the authority of the Emperor was being restored. Across Japan, the traditional warrior class faced an uncertain future as centuries of samurai rule gave way to modernization. Swords forged during this brief transitional period possess a unique historical significance. They were created according to classical methods passed down through generations of swordsmiths, yet they emerged during the final years when the sword remained an integral symbol of the samurai. Unlike many later ceremonial Meiji-period swords, this katana retains the character and proportions of a practical warrior's weapon, reflecting the traditions of the late Edo period while standing on the threshold of a new era. The Sword The blade exhibits an elegant and purposeful sugata with a balanced curvature and refined proportions. The form is both practical and visually pleasing, displaying the mature characteristics expected of quality nineteenth-century Japanese swordsmanship. The jihada reveals well-forged steel with a disciplined structure, demonstrating the technical competence of the smith and the traditional forging methods that had been refined over centuries. The workmanship emphasizes clarity, strength, and durability rather than excessive ornamentation. The hamon is clearly defined and well executed, providing both aesthetic appeal and evidence of careful heat treatment. Together, the jihada and hamon create a harmonious composition that reflects the skill of the maker and the traditions of the Chikugo region. Most importantly, the blade remains signed and dated: Omote: 筑後住祐利 Chikugo-jū Suketoshi Ura: 明治二年二月日 A day in February, Meiji 2 (1869) The preservation of both signature and date greatly enhances the historical importance of the sword and provides a direct connection to the moment of its creation more than 150 years ago. Koshirae The katana is mounted in an attractive koshirae featuring a black lacquered saya and fittings decorated with dragon motifs. In Japanese symbolism, dragons represent wisdom, strength, protection, and authority. These powerful fittings complement the martial character of the blade while adding visual presence and elegance to the overall presentation. The combination of an authentic signed and dated blade together with dignified traditional mountings creates an impressive example of Japanese sword culture that appeals equally to collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of samurai heritage. Specifications Smith: Chikugo-jū Suketoshi (筑後住祐利) Date: February, Meiji 2 (1869) Period: Early Meiji Period Province: Chikugo Certification: NBTHK Hozon Tōken Nagasa: 62.8 cm Sori: 1.0 cm Mekugi-ana: One Conclusion Signed and dated swords from the early Meiji period occupy a special place within Japanese sword collecting. They represent the final chapter of a tradition that had defined the samurai for centuries and provide a tangible connection to one of Japan's most important historical transitions. With its NBTHK Hozon certification, preserved signature and date, attractive koshirae, and strong historical context, this katana offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic Japanese sword forged at the very beginning of the Meiji era, when the spirit of the samurai still remained alive within the steel.