A Brilliant Yoshioka Ichimonji Blade with Invocations
The Tachi Sword (signed Ki no Sukemitsu of Yoshioka in Bizen, dated 1322) (太刀〈銘備前国吉岡住左近将監紀助光／一〈南无八幡大菩薩／南无妙見大菩薩〉元亨二年三月日〉) is a Kamakura-period tachi by Sukemitsu of the Yoshioka Ichimonji school, location not disclosed (private collection), which in 1953 was designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one blade 2 shaku 7 sun 2 bu long with a curvature of 1 sun 2 bu 8 rin, dated 1322, first designated under the old system in 1940.
According to the Agency, it is by Sukemitsu of Yoshioka Ichimonji, and its inscription includes invocations to Hachiman Daibosatsu and Myoken Daibosatsu.
The Blade
According to the Agency, it is ridged with a roof-shaped back, curving high in the manner of a torii beam, with a firm base and a medium point. The steel is a tight wood grain, with larger patterns flowing from the collar to the middle on the front, crystals and irregular reflections.
The temper line is a clove pattern mixed with tadpole shapes and half-circles, full of legs and leaves, deep and crystalline, with golden streaks. The tang is unaltered, with a chestnut-shaped end, steeply sloping file marks and two peg holes.
What to Look For
The Agency describes its steel and edge as excellent, a brilliant example among Yoshioka Ichimonji blades.
Notice the two invocations and the lively clove-pattern temper line.
Visiting the Tachi Sword (signed Ki no Sukemitsu of Yoshioka in Bizen, dated 1322)
It is privately owned and its location is not disclosed; no official information on viewing could be found.
Q&A
- When was the tachi designated a National Treasure?
- On 31 March 1953.
- Who was Sukemitsu?
- A smith of the Yoshioka Ichimonji school of Bizen.
- What is inscribed on it?
- His name, the date 1322 and invocations to Hachiman and Myoken.
- How is it valued?
- As excellent and brilliant among Yoshioka Ichimonji blades.
- How long is it?
- 2 shaku 7 sun 2 bu.
Basic Information
| Name | Tachi Sword (signed Ki no Sukemitsu of Yoshioka in Bizen, dated 1322) (太刀〈銘備前国吉岡住左近将監紀助光／一〈南无八幡大菩薩／南无妙見大菩薩〉元亨二年三月日〉) |
|---|---|
| Location | Location not disclosed (private collection) |
| Designation | National Treasure (craft) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1953/3/31 (Showa 28); earlier designation 1940/5/3 |
| Quantity | 1 blade |
| Dimensions | Length 2 shaku 7 sun 2 bu, curvature 1 sun 2 bu 8 rin |
| Owner | Private owner |
| Public Access | Viewing information not found |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Tachi by Sukemitsu (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/393
- Cultural Heritage Online: Tachi by Sukemitsu (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/148478
Last verified: 2026.09.30