Sword (Made by Tomonari)

Tachi Signed by Tomonari: A National Treasure of Japan at Itsukushima Shrine

Among the many sacred treasures housed at Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, one object stands as a testament to the extraordinary skill of Japan's earliest swordsmiths: the tachi long sword bearing the three-character inscription "Tomonari-saku" (友成作). Designated as a National Treasure of Japan, this remarkable blade represents one of the finest surviving examples of the Ko-Bizen (Old Bizen) school of swordmaking, a tradition that flourished in what is now southeastern Okayama Prefecture during the Heian period (794–1185). For visitors with an interest in Japanese history, martial arts, or traditional craftsmanship, this sword offers a rare and deeply moving encounter with a living artifact from nearly a millennium ago.

The Swordsmith Tomonari and the Ko-Bizen Tradition

Tomonari is revered as one of the founding masters of the Bizen swordmaking tradition and is counted among the "Three Greatest Swordsmiths of Ancient Japan" alongside Munechika of Sanjō (Kyoto) and Yasutsuna of Hōki (Tottori). He is regarded as the progenitor of the celebrated Osafune school that would later dominate Japanese sword production for centuries. Historical records suggest that the first generation Tomonari was active around the Eien era (987–989), though the oldest surviving works bearing his name date from the Kōji (1142–1144) and Ninpei (1151–1153) eras.

Several swordsmiths used the name Tomonari across multiple generations—at least three spanning from the mid-Heian period through the early Kamakura period. Since the sword at Itsukushima Shrine bears no date inscription, the exact generation of its maker remains uncertain. Nonetheless, the exceptional quality and refinement of this blade strongly suggest it is the work of one of the earliest and most accomplished bearers of the name.

Description and Artistic Significance

The tachi has a blade length (ha-chō) of approximately 79.4 cm and a curvature (sori) of 3.0 cm. It is forged in the shinogi-zukuri style with an iori-mune ridge, the standard form for tachi of this era. Despite having been shortened (suriage) at some point in its history, the sword retains an exceptionally graceful and well-proportioned silhouette.

The forging pattern (jigane) displays a fine ko-itame (small wood-grain) texture with ji-nie (fine crystalline particles) and midare-utsuri (irregular reflections in the steel). The temper line (hamon) is primarily a straight naka-suguha pattern with subtle ko-midare (small irregular waves) and ko-chōji (small clove-blossom shapes), lending the blade an air of understated elegance. The deep koshi-zori curvature concentrated near the base of the blade and the strong fumibari (tapering from base to tip) are hallmarks of the classic Heian-period tachi form.

The Cultural Heritage Online database of Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs describes this sword as a work of the highest quality, noting that its forging and temper line are both in excellent health, and that the blade maintains a noble dignity throughout. It stands as one of the finest representatives of the Ko-Bizen tradition.

Why Was It Designated a National Treasure?

The tachi signed by Tomonari was first designated as an Important Cultural Property on April 17, 1914. On November 22, 1952, it received the highest classification as a National Treasure of Japan. Several factors contributed to this prestigious designation:

• It represents the work of one of the most historically significant swordmaking lineages in Japan, the Ko-Bizen school, which laid the foundation for centuries of Bizen sword production.
• Despite its age of nearly a thousand years, the blade and temper line remain in remarkably healthy condition, making it an exceptionally rare survival.
• The craftsmanship demonstrates the pinnacle of technical skill and aesthetic refinement, exhibiting a noble dignity that sets it apart even among other Ko-Bizen works.
• Its provenance as a sacred offering to one of Japan's most revered shrines adds profound historical and cultural significance.

Connection to the Taira Clan and Itsukushima Shrine

The history of how this sword came to reside at Itsukushima Shrine is intertwined with the legendary Taira (Heike) clan, whose dramatic rise and fall is one of the great narratives of Japanese history. According to tradition, the tachi was the personal sword of Taira no Noritsune, a warrior renowned for his bravery, who dedicated it to Itsukushima Shrine. An alternative tradition attributes the offering to Taira no Munemori, the head of the Taira clan during its final years.

Itsukushima Shrine held a special place in the hearts of the Taira clan. It was Taira no Kiyomori, the most powerful figure in late Heian Japan, who expanded the shrine to its present magnificent scale around 1168. The clan regarded the shrine as their guardian deity, and many of the shrine's greatest treasures—including the famous Heike Nōkyō (Sutras Dedicated by the Taira Clan), also a National Treasure—were offerings from Taira clan members. The tachi signed by Tomonari thus stands as a tangible link to this pivotal era of Japanese history.

Highlights and Viewing Tips

For international visitors hoping to appreciate this National Treasure, here are some key points to enhance your experience:

The Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall (Hōmotsukan) houses approximately 4,500 art objects and historical artifacts, of which about 260 items are designated National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. A selection of these items is displayed on a rotating basis. While the tachi signed by Tomonari is part of the permanent collection, it may not always be on public display—special exhibitions and treasure viewing events occasionally feature original National Treasure items that are normally kept in secure storage.

When viewing Japanese swords, pay attention to the curvature, the texture of the steel surface, and the temper line along the edge. The deep koshi-zori curve of this tachi evokes the powerful bearing of a mounted Heian-period warrior. The subtle interplay between the dark-toned jigane and the gentle hamon gives the blade a distinctly refined character compared to the more flamboyant styles that emerged in later periods.

Photography is not permitted inside the Treasure Hall, so take your time to observe each piece carefully with your own eyes. The quiet atmosphere of the museum space allows for contemplative appreciation of these ancient masterworks.

Surrounding Attractions on Miyajima

A visit to see this National Treasure sword can easily be combined with a full day of exploration on Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most celebrated scenic destinations.

The shrine complex itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, is an architectural marvel. Its vermilion buildings appear to float on the sea at high tide, connected by approximately 270 meters of covered corridors. The iconic Great Torii gate standing in the water is one of the most photographed sights in Japan. At low tide, visitors can walk across the exposed seabed to the base of the torii.

Nearby, the Senjōkaku (Toyokuni Shrine), a massive wooden hall commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587, offers panoramic views of the shrine grounds. The adjacent five-story pagoda is another Important Cultural Property worth seeing.

For those with more time, a hike or ropeway ride to the summit of Mount Misen (535 m) rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. The mountain's primeval forest is itself a designated Natural Monument.

Miyajima's shopping street, Omotesandō, offers local specialties including momiji manjū (maple leaf-shaped cakes) and grilled Hiroshima-style oysters, making it easy to enjoy a memorable culinary experience alongside the cultural one.

Other National Treasures at Itsukushima Shrine

While visiting, be aware that Itsukushima Shrine possesses a remarkable collection of National Treasures beyond this tachi. These include the Heike Nōkyō decorated sutras, the Ko-Bizen koshigatana (short sword) in a nashiji lacquer scabbard with mother-of-pearl inlay (also bearing the Tomonari signature), a set of gilt-bronze esoteric Buddhist ritual implements, painted cypress fans, several suits of armor, and the shrine buildings themselves. Together they present an unparalleled picture of Heian-period aristocratic culture and religious devotion.