Adaga - Japão

Tanto Shimizu Tadatsugu NBTHK Hozon Exibited Presentation Blade.\nNBTHK Hozon Preserved Sword.\n\nSwordsmith\nThis 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.\nShimizu 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.\n\nMade for\nThis 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.\n\nExhibition\nThe 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nThe inscription has been fully authenticated and accepted by the NBTHK.\n\nBlade description\nForged 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.\n\nInscription\nThe 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.\n\nRight Side with smith name & dedication\n\n義忠次\nYoshitada (Shimizu Tadatsugu)\n\n第壱回選抜展出品作\nWork exhibited at the 1st Selected Exhibition\n\n贈 重田五郎 剣兄\nPresented to Shigeta Gorō, sword brother\n\n昭和甲寅年 新春\nShōwa, Year of the Tiger, New Year (1944)\n\n刀長二九糎\nBlade length: 29 cm\n\n忠次造\nMade by Tadatsugu\n\nLeft Side philosophical inscription\n\n士道義より大なるは無し\nThere is nothing greater than righteousness in the way of the warrior\n\n義は勇に因って行われ\nRighteousness is carried out through courage\n\n勇は義に因って長し\nCourage endures because of righteousness\n\n松陰先生士規七則より\nFrom Master Yoshida Shōin’s Seven Rules for the Samurai\n\nMeasurements\nNagasa (blade length) 29.1 cm\nSori: approx 0.3 mm\nMotohaba approx. 3.05 cm\nKasane approx. 4.5 mm\nExceptional Tantō by Shimizu Tadatsugu NBTHK Hozon, Documented Presentation blade.\n\nAn 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.