Tachi Signed Masatsune: A Pinnacle of Ko-Bizen Swordsmithing
Among Japan's most revered National Treasures, the tachi signed Masatsune—often called the "Hachisuka Masatsune"—stands as a supreme example of the artistry achieved by the Ko-Bizen school of swordsmiths during the late Heian period (12th century). Now housed at Fukuyama Museum of Art in Hiroshima Prefecture, this remarkable blade represents not only the zenith of Masatsune's craft but also centuries of distinguished provenance, having passed through the hands of feudal lords and devoted collectors before finding its permanent home in the cultural heart of Fukuyama City.
The Ko-Bizen School and the Swordsmith Masatsune
The Ko-Bizen (Old Bizen) school refers to the earliest group of swordsmiths active in Bizen Province—present-day southeastern Okayama Prefecture and parts of Hyogo Prefecture—from the late Heian period through the early Kamakura period. This region would later become the most prolific sword-producing area in all of Japan, giving rise to illustrious schools such as Ichimonji and Osafune. Among the founding masters of the Ko-Bizen tradition, Masatsune stands alongside Tomonari as the school's most celebrated figure.
Masatsune's surviving works bear inscriptions in at least five distinct calligraphic styles, leading modern scholars to conclude that multiple swordsmiths used the name across several generations. The warrior Sasaki Takatsuna, famous for his role in the Battle of Uji River in 1184, is said to have wielded a celebrated blade called "Nawakiri Masatsune" (Rope-Cutting Masatsune), a testament to the renown that the Masatsune name carried even in its own era. Among all the National Treasure-designated tachi bearing the Masatsune signature—five in total—the example at Fukuyama Museum of Art is widely regarded as the finest, showcasing the most classical style and the highest level of workmanship.
Why It Was Designated a National Treasure
This tachi was first designated as an Important Cultural Property (then called Important Art Object) on January 23, 1933, and subsequently elevated to National Treasure status on March 29, 1952, under the revised Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. The designation recognizes several exceptional qualities that set this blade apart.
The sword exhibits the archetypal Ko-Bizen aesthetic: a graceful form with pronounced koshi-zori (curvature centered near the hilt) and strong funbari (taper from base to tip), imparting an air of classical elegance that distinguishes it from the more robust styles of later periods. The forging pattern (kitae) displays a fine ko-itame grain with ji-nie (fine crystalline particles on the surface) and prominent ji-utsuri (a shadowy reflection pattern in the steel), hallmarks of the highest-quality Bizen work. The temper line (hamon) consists of a subtle ko-midare (small irregular) pattern with abundant ashi and ha (feet and leaves)—delicate extensions of the tempered zone that create depth and visual interest—accompanied by deep ko-nie (fine martensite crystals).
The tang (nakago) remains in its original, unshortened state (ubu), a rarity for swords of this age. The file marks (yasurime) show the katte-sagari pattern characteristic of the period, and the Masatsune signature is inscribed below the peg hole. Official records describe this as the most archaic and finest example among all works bearing the Masatsune name.
Highlights and Points of Appreciation
For visitors encountering Japanese swords for the first time, the Hachisuka Masatsune offers an ideal introduction to the refined beauty of early Japanese bladesmithing. Unlike the flamboyant choji-midare temper patterns that would characterize later Bizen schools, this tachi displays a restrained, almost meditative beauty. The gentle curvature of the blade creates an impression of fluid grace, while the steel surface reveals subtle color variations when viewed from different angles—some observers have noted a deep, clear blue tone visible when looking along the blade from the tang, reminiscent of the color of deep, clear water.
The accompanying koshirae (sword mounting) is also noteworthy: a nashiji kiri-mon maki-e ito-maki tachi koshirae, featuring paulownia crests rendered in gold lacquer on a pear-skin lacquer ground, reflecting the prestige of its former owners. This mounting adds another dimension to the viewing experience, illustrating how these blades were presented and carried by the warrior aristocracy.
Visitors with an interest in metallurgy will appreciate the remarkable preservation of the blade. The fine forging grain, the clarity of the utsuri pattern, and the complexity of the activities within the temper line all testify to both the smith's skill and the care with which this sword has been maintained over nine centuries.
Provenance: From the Hachisuka Clan to Fukuyama
The sword takes its informal name from the Hachisuka family, the feudal lords (daimyo) of Awa Province (present-day Tokushima Prefecture) from the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi through the end of the Edo period. The Hachisuka clan was one of the most prominent families of the Tokugawa era, and their sword collection reflected their status and refined taste.
After the Meiji Restoration, the blade passed from the Hachisuka family through several private collectors. It eventually came into the possession of Yasuhiro Komatsu, the founder of FP Corporation (a major food-packaging manufacturer headquartered in Fukuyama City) and an honorary citizen of Fukuyama. Komatsu assembled an extraordinary collection of 14 Japanese swords, including 7 National Treasures and 6 Important Cultural Properties. Following his passing in 2017, his widow Keiko Komatsu honored his wishes by donating the entire collection to Fukuyama City in November 2018. Known as the Komatsu Yasuhiro Collection, this group of swords is now permanently entrusted to Fukuyama Museum of Art, where it forms one of the most important public collections of Japanese swords in the country.
Fukuyama Museum of Art
Fukuyama Museum of Art opened in 1988 within the leafy grounds of Fukuyama Castle Park, just a short walk from JR Fukuyama Station. The museum's collection spans European modern art—including works by de Chirico, Segantini, and Chagall—as well as Japanese modern and contemporary art, with a particular strength in the work of Kishida Ryusei. However, the addition of the Komatsu Yasuhiro Collection has transformed the museum into a major destination for Japanese sword enthusiasts from around the world.
The museum regularly holds sword-related exhibitions, typically once or twice a year, during which multiple National Treasures from the Komatsu Collection are displayed. Because swords are sensitive to light and humidity, individual pieces are rotated in and out of display, so visitors should check the museum's exhibition schedule in advance to confirm which works are currently on view. Admission to the permanent collection exhibition is an affordable 310 yen for adults, with free entry for high school students and younger visitors.
Nearby Attractions
Fukuyama and its surroundings offer a wealth of cultural and scenic experiences that pair well with a visit to the museum. Fukuyama Castle, immediately adjacent to the museum, was built in 1622 and has been restored as a museum showcasing the history of the Fukuyama domain. The castle tower offers panoramic views of the city and is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.
About 14 kilometers south of the city center lies Tomonoura, one of Japan's most atmospheric historic port towns. Designated as a Japan Heritage site, Tomonoura preserves an extraordinary concentration of Edo-period architecture, including the Taichoro Hall at Fukuzenji Temple, where Korean envoys once admired what they called the most beautiful view in the East. The town was also an inspiration for the Studio Ghibli film "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea." Regular buses connect Fukuyama Station to Tomonoura in about 30 minutes.
For those interested in extending their journey, the city of Onomichi—famous for its hillside temples, literary heritage, and as the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route—is just 20 minutes east of Fukuyama by train, offering another dimension of Setouchi culture to explore.
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Q＆A
- Is the tachi signed Masatsune always on display?
- No. Like all precious blades, this National Treasure is displayed on a rotating basis to protect it from prolonged exposure to light. Fukuyama Museum of Art typically holds sword exhibitions once or twice a year. Check the museum's official website or contact them directly to confirm the current exhibition schedule before your visit.
- Is English guidance available at the museum?
- The museum provides some English-language signage and printed materials. For sword exhibitions, explanatory panels may include basic English descriptions. Bringing a translation app on your smartphone is recommended for detailed information.
- How do I get to Fukuyama Museum of Art from major cities?
- Fukuyama Station is on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. From Tokyo, it takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes by Nozomi; from Osaka, about 1 hour; and from Hiroshima, about 25 minutes. The museum is just a 5-minute walk (400 meters west) from the station's north exit.
- Can I photograph the swords on display?
- Photography is generally not permitted in the exhibition galleries. Please follow the instructions provided by the museum staff and any signage within the exhibition rooms.
- What other National Treasure swords can I see at Fukuyama Museum of Art?
- The Komatsu Yasuhiro Collection includes seven National Treasure swords in total, among them the famous Kosetsu Samonji (tachi signed Chikushū-jū Sa), the Juraku (tantō signed Sa/Chikushū-jū), and works by masters such as Yoshifusa, Norifusa, Kunimune, Kunimitsu, and Kunikiyo. The museum rotates these treasures through periodic exhibitions.
Basic Information
| Official Name | Tachi, signed Masatsune (太刀〈銘正恒〉) |
|---|---|
| Alternate Name | Hachisuka Masatsune (蜂須賀正恒) |
| Designation | National Treasure (Craft, Sword) |
| Designation Date | March 29, 1952 (Important Cultural Property: January 23, 1933) |
| Period | Heian period (12th century) |
| Swordsmith | Masatsune (Ko-Bizen school) |
| Dimensions | Blade length: 77.6 cm; Curvature: 2.6 cm; Base width: 2.9 cm; Tip width: 1.6 cm; Kissaki length: 2.5 cm |
| Provenance | Hachisuka family → Private collectors → Komatsu Yasuhiro Collection → Fukuyama City |
| Owner | Fukuyama City |
| Location | Fukuyama Museum of Art, 2-4-3 Nishi-machi, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720-0067 |
| Museum Hours | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays; if Monday is a holiday, closed the following day; year-end/New Year closure) |
| Admission | Permanent collection: 310 yen (adults); Free for high school students and under. Special exhibition fees vary. |
| Access | 5-minute walk from JR Fukuyama Station (North Exit), approximately 400 m west. Fukuyama Station is served by the Sanyo Shinkansen. |
| Contact | Tel: 084-932-2345 |
References
- 文化遺産オンライン — 太刀〈銘正恒／〉
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/159255
- 福山市ホームページ — 小松安弘コレクションについて
- https://www.city.fukuyama.hiroshima.jp/site/fukuyama-museum/194068.html
- WANDER 国宝 — 太刀 銘 正恒（蜂須賀正恒）
- https://wanderkokuho.com/201-00329/
- 正恒 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%AD%A3%E6%81%92
- 福山市ホームページ — ふくやま美術館 施設利用案内
- https://www.city.fukuyama.hiroshima.jp/site/fukuyama-museum/2912.html
- 刀剣ワールド — 正恒（まさつね）
- https://www.touken-world.jp/sword-artisan-directory/kobizen-masatsune/
Last verified: 2026.03.21