Archived Nihonto.ca (Yuhindo.com): Naotsuna

Naotsuna Tokubetsu Hozon Tanto

Naotsuna is one of the famous Masamune Juttetsu (the ten great disciples of Masamune). He is rated Jo-Jo saku by Fujishiro (very high), who also mentions that his works are few.

This sun-nobi (elongated) tanto in Soshu style can be considered a wakizashi as it is 34.5cm (13.5 inches) in length, but for intended use it remains a tanto. It is ubu nakago, but mumei. I have read that swords of this type (ubu, mumei) in the koto period are speculated to not bear a signature either because they were forged for nobility, or for dedication to a temple. The horimono are beautifully done, featuring a suken and a bonji Fudo Myoo on the omote, and a ken with sankozuka and so no kurikara (stylized dragon) on the ura. Naotsuna is considered to work in So-den Bizen (Soshu influenced Bizen) by Nagayama, and is listed as one of the leading swordsmiths of the Koto period.

Fudo Myoo is an esoteric Buddhist invocation of the Immovable King of Light, the most powerful of his order (Fudo means immovable). He is most often depicted enshrouded in flames, bearing a ken in one hand with which he slashes through the illusions of the material world to reveal the truth, and a rope in the other hand, which is used to bind evil doers. His invocation this is considered to break down doubts, and get rid of evil spirits; to protect from disaster and ensure success.

The suken is also a symbol that invokes Fudo Myoo (and is much more common in simple horimono than the sanskrit characters), as the ken is the sword he bears. Most often the opposite side of a suken bearing sword will carry gomabashi, which reflect buddhist rituals, and are an invocation of Bato Kanzeon. While Fudo Myoo brings punishment to evildoers, Bato Kanzeon brings them salvation through buddhist practice.

However, the opposite side of this sword to the suken bears a full ken, and is entwined by a dragon. A dragon is often seen on swords chasing a flaming jewel, often called the Pearl of Wisdom or sometimes the Pearl of Potentiality, but apparently may contain both aspects of wisdom and power. In fact, it is referred to as the Mani in the well known mantra phrase Om Mani Padme Hum, and is a symbol of the value of teachings (i.e. wisdom; padme is the lotus flower, a symbol of awakening, the phrase refers to the pearl in the lotus in which the teachings that lead to enlightenment are precious).

Since horimono on Naotsuna works are rare, this is considered a rare specimen. Fujishiro also states that the works of Naotsuna are few, and that of those they are mostly daito.

Having been mounted into at least three different sets of koshirae and being somewhat worn by polishing, this tanto has shown its dutiful service to many masters. While not yet tired the horimono have lost some of their original detail. This will likely prevent the piece from achieving Juyo qualifications, but does not prevent it from being a beautiful work on its own.

Seven day inspection offered with full refund, less shipping costs.

Tanobe Sensei Sayagaki

Iwami no Kuni Naotsuna

Tadashi ubu nakago mumei nari. Jidai Nambokucho ki.
Although it has ubu nakago, it is mumei. Nambokucho period.

Deki yoroshiku sono tokushoku o kengen seri.
Its workmanship is good and displays the characteristics of this smith.

Hacho – isshaku, issun yonbu amari.
The edge length is a little greater than 1 shaku, 1 sun 4 bu.

Mizunoto hitsuji reki, uzuki, gekkan (kao).
Attested to and recorded by Tanzan.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Paper

This tanto has many interesting activities in the hamon, which is typical of this smith, and makes it a good study piece. The high papers it has received reflect the quality and the rarity it represents.