Overview
This short sword was crafted by Raikoku Toshi (らいくにとし), a renowned master craftsman who represented Yamashiro Province (modern Kyoto) during the late Kamakura Period. It bears an inscription dating to Shōwa 5 (1316). The piece is currently owned by Netsuta Shrine in Aichi Prefecture and housed at the Tokyo National Museum. It was designated as a National Treasure under cultural property protection law in 1955.
Historical Background
Raikoku Toshi is regarded as the founder of the “Ra-ha” school (a style of swordsmiths) who flourished in Kyoto from the mid to late Kamakura Period. The inscription “Shōwa 5” dates back to his later years, marking a period when his craftsmanship reached its peak. During this time, swords from the Ra-ha school were highly valued among samurai because they successfully combined practical utility with high artistic merit. Because the date is clearly marked, this piece serves as an essential benchmark for understanding Toshi’s evolving style and the swordmaking techniques of the era.
Features and Appeal
This short sword is considered a masterpiece (hakubi) within Raikoku Toshi’s collection, possessing several outstanding artistic and technical features:
- Refined Form: It exhibits a beautiful construction typical of late Kamakura Period tantō (short swords), characterized by a moderately wide blade body and a robust presence.
- Exquisite Blade Surface (jigane): The surface displays a transparent quality unique to the Ra-ha style, featuring fine, dense koyame-hada (small plate skin) combined with thick jinie (surface deposits).
- Delicate Tempering Pattern (hamon): While based on a straight edge (suguhaba), the pattern incorporates subtle komidare (minor irregularities), showing refined details like ashi (base) and yō (leaf) in an elegant finish.
- Clear Inscriptions: The blade is inscribed with “Raikoku Toshi” on the face and “Shōwa 5, Eleventh Month Day” on the back. These inscriptions not only demonstrate Toshi’s mastery during his mature period but also significantly enhance its value as a historical document.
Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)