Nashiji Kiri-mon Raden Koshigatana: A Masterwork of Japanese Sword Art

Among the many treasures housed at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Prefecture, the Nashiji Kiri-mon Raden Koshigatana stands as one of the most exquisite examples of Japanese decorative sword craftsmanship. Designated as a National Treasure of Japan, this short sword unites a blade forged by the legendary Ko-Bizen swordsmith Tomonari with a dazzling Muromachi-period mounting adorned in gold nashiji lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay. It is a testament to the refined aesthetics and unparalleled artistry that flourished under the patronage of Japan's most powerful clans.

What Is the Nashiji Kiri-mon Raden Koshigatana?

The full formal name of this National Treasure is "Nashiji Kiri-mon Raden Koshigatana (with an inscription reading 'Made by Tomonari' on the blade)." It is a koshigatana, a type of small companion sword traditionally worn at the waist. What makes this piece exceptional is the combination of two masterful elements: the blade, crafted by the renowned Bizen Province swordsmith Tomonari, and the exterior mounting created during the Muromachi period (14th–16th century).

The mounting is of the aikuchi-goshirae style, meaning it has no tsuba (handguard), and both the hilt and scabbard are finished in kin-nashiji, a lacquer technique that produces a surface resembling the skin of a Japanese pear, achieved by sprinkling fine gold powder over wet lacquer. The paulownia crest (kiri-mon) patterns are rendered in aogai raden, a technique using thin slices of iridescent abalone shell inlaid into the lacquer surface. The piece also comes with an accompanying maki-e lacquer box, which is designated as a supplementary treasure.

The Blade: A Legacy of the Ko-Bizen Master Tomonari

The blade within this elegant mounting bears the inscription "Tomonari-saku" (友成作), attributing it to Tomonari, one of the most celebrated swordsmiths of the Ko-Bizen (Old Bizen) tradition. The Ko-Bizen school, based in what is now Okayama Prefecture, is regarded as one of the oldest and most prestigious lineages in Japanese sword-making history. Tomonari is traditionally believed to have been active around the Eien era (987–989), a period when Japanese swords were establishing their classic curved-blade form.

The blade itself is described as hira-zukuri (flat construction) with uchi-zori (a slight inward curvature), characteristic of small tantō-style blades. The forging pattern (jigane) features a fine ko-itame (small wood-grain) texture, and the hamon (temper line) is a delicate, narrow suguha (straight temper line). On the front side, there is a skillfully carved su-ken (plain sword) relief, adding to its artistic value. These features represent the refined, understated beauty that is the hallmark of the Ko-Bizen tradition.

Why Was It Designated as a National Treasure?

This koshigatana was first recognized as an Important Cultural Property (then called "Old National Treasure") as early as 1899 during the Meiji period, and was elevated to full National Treasure status on June 28, 1956. Several factors contribute to its extraordinary significance.

First, the mounting is one of the finest surviving examples of aikuchi-goshirae koshigatana from the Nanbokuchō to Muromachi period. The gold nashiji lacquerwork combined with raden inlay of the five-and-seven paulownia crest demonstrates the pinnacle of Japanese lacquer artistry during this era. Despite its small size, the quality of craftsmanship is remarkably refined.

Second, the blade by Tomonari connects this piece to the ancient Ko-Bizen sword-making tradition, one of the most revered lineages in Japanese metallurgy. The combination of a historically significant blade with an equally precious mounting makes this a doubly valuable cultural artifact.

Third, the sword's provenance as a treasure of Itsukushima Shrine places it within the context of centuries of aristocratic and warrior-class devotion to this sacred island, enriching its historical narrative immeasurably.

Highlights and Points of Interest

Itsukushima Shrine and Its Treasure Hall

Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, is one of Japan's most iconic sacred places. Founded in 593 CE, the shrine's vermillion corridors and pavilions appear to float on the sea during high tide, creating one of the most photographed landscapes in Japan. The shrine's deep connection with the Taira (Heike) clan during the late Heian period brought extraordinary artistic patronage, resulting in the remarkable collection of treasures preserved to this day.

The Treasure Hall (Hōmotsukan) was built in 1934 using then-innovative reinforced concrete coated with lacquer. It houses a rotating selection from the shrine's vast collection, including swords, armor, ceremonial costumes, musical instruments, painted fans, and replicas of the famous Heike Nōkyō. Although the most precious originals, including this koshigatana, are displayed only on special occasions or lent to major museum exhibitions, the Treasure Hall offers an excellent introduction to the artistic heritage of Itsukushima Shrine.

Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions

A visit to see this National Treasure can be combined with exploring the many other attractions of Miyajima Island. The island offers a rich blend of sacred sites, natural beauty, and local culture.

• Itsukushima Shrine Main Hall and Corridors — The iconic floating shrine with its vermillion torii gate standing in the sea.
• Senjōkaku (Toyokuni Shrine) — A massive wooden hall commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, located on a hill above the shrine.
• Five-Story Pagoda — An Important Cultural Property offering beautiful views alongside Senjōkaku.
• Daishō-in Temple — A major Shingon Buddhist temple at the foot of Mount Misen, known for its spiritual atmosphere and hundreds of Buddhist statues.
• Mount Misen — The sacred mountain of Miyajima, accessible by ropeway and hiking trails, offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
• Miyajima Historical Folk Museum — Learn about the island's history and traditional life in a beautifully restored merchant house.
• Omotesandō Shopping Street — Enjoy local specialties such as momiji manjū (maple leaf-shaped cakes) and grilled oysters.