Tachi Sword (signed Masatsune)

A Brilliant and Flawless Ko-Bizen Blade

The Tachi Sword (signed Masatsune) (太刀〈銘正恒〉) is a Heian-period tachi by Masatsune of Ko-Bizen, location not disclosed (private collection), which in 1953 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one blade 77.0 centimetres long with a curvature of 2.4 centimetres and 3.0 centimetres wide at the base, first designated under the old system in 1931.

According to the Agency, there were more than one smith named Masatsune; this is not the oldest, but is thought to date no later than the end of the Heian period.

The Blade

According to the Agency, it is ridged with a roof-shaped back, a medium point tending to the stout, curved near the hilt with a firm base. The steel is a tight fine grain with fine crystals and dark patches; the temper line mixes small irregularities and cloves, full of legs and leaves, with small crystals.

The point pattern is small and round, swept on the back, with large golden streaks. The tang is slightly shortened, pheasant-leg shaped, with a straight end, sloping file marks, two peg holes and a finely cut two-character signature; the blade is 2.1 centimetres wide at the tip, with a point of 3.0 centimetres and a tang of 21.2 centimetres.

What to Look For

The Agency describes it as brilliantly made and flawless in condition.

Notice the lively temper line of small irregularities mixed with cloves.

Visiting the Tachi Sword (signed Masatsune)

It is privately owned and its location is not disclosed; no official information on viewing could be found.