Study of Jidai Goshirae ①

The NBTHK Yamanashi branch holds study meetings every two months.At these study sessions, participants can take part in sword appraisal (nyusatsu kantei) and attend lectures on sword fittings. Anyone interested is always welcome to join us.

The lecture on October 5 was given by Ito Mitsuru on the theme of Jidai goshirae. In this article, we would like to introduce some of its highlights.

1. When did the study of Jidai goshirae begin?

Let us begin by looking into earlier research that laid the groundwork for understanding Jidai goshirae in their historical context. We will also touch on more recent, significant studies in this field.

Report on the Investigation of Weapons Dedicated to Saiendō at the Hōryū-ji Temple (日本古文化研究所報告第八　法隆寺西円堂奉納武器) by Suenaga Masao, 1938 (Report on Japanese Ancient Culture, Vol. 8)

Out side of Saiendo before restoration.

Dedicated offerings inside the Saiendo.

All these scabbards show the donated dates (Hōnō meibun).

Koshigatana scabbards show the donated dates (Hōnō meibun). Check the shape of Saguri (kaerizuno).

Enhance version of the above photo

Tosogu no Kigen (刀装具の起源) by Sasano Masayuki, 1979.

This groundbreaking book by Sasano sensei explores the development of uchigatana goshirae and tosogu from multiple perspectives — literature, paintings, and historical materials.He discovered a depiction of a long uchigatana worn by a figure in the illustrated scroll Sannō Reigenki (dated 1288), a National Important Cultural Property.

Sasano sensei wrote:

“Judging from the seated height of the figure, the total length of the sword is about 4 shaku 3 sun, with the blade itself exceeding 3 shaku. This demonstrates the trend toward longer uchigatana after the Mongol invasions (1274 & 1281). The figure also carries a koshi-gatana alongside, showing that the combination of long and short swords already existed in this period.”

This book holds special meaning for me, as it was the first publication my father designed. It was later translated into English in 2009, and I hope it continues to be read and cherished by tosogu enthusiasts around the world.

Tosogu no Kigen

Sannō Reigenki (dated 1288). The figure with a long Uchigatana.

Uchigatana goshirae (打刀拵) by Ogasawara Nobuo, 1985

The catalog was for the special exhibition “The Beauty of Sword Mountings: Uchigatana goshirae” held at the Tokyo National Museum. A later publication of the same name followed with similar content. The exhibition also marked Ogasawara’s retirement from the museum and featured many koshirae handed down through daimyo families, whose ownership histories are well documented.

The exhibition catalog: Uchigatana goshirae

Late Kamakura ~ Nanbokucho (1300)

Ukesugi Kenshin. Tenbun era (1540) The shape of Kojiri is angular with a flat end.

Tokugawa Ieyasu. Tensho era (1580) The shape of Kojiri is angular with a flat end.

Hosakawa Sansai. Bunroku era (1595)

Radiocarbon Dating of Sword Mountings and Fittings by Boris Markhasin, 2024　

This was presented last October at Gakushuin University by Markhasin.In this study, he applied radiocarbon dating to an uchigatana goshirae formerly owned by Sasano and confirmed that it was made between the late Kamakura and Nanbokucho periods — a groundbreaking result. The presentation also offered a clear explanation of the testing methods, making it an especially engaging and educational lecture. We look forward to seeing further developments from his research.

2. Characteristics of Uchigatana goshirae from Late Kamakura to Early Edo

The lecture note provided by Ito Mitsuru at the NBTHK Yamanashi branch meeting.

From the top: Katana

Kamakura ~ Nanbokucho (1300)

Uesugi Kenshin, Tenbun (1540)

Tokugawa Ieyasu, Tensho (1580)

Hosokawa Sansai, Bunroku (1595)

Wakizashi,

Hamuro Nagamune, Shitoku 2 (1385)

Saiendo, Tensho?

Watanabe Hanzo, Tensho (1580)

Tanto

Nanbokucho (1380), the shape of Kurijiri is angular with a flat end.

Tenbun (1540), the shape of Kurijiri is round.

Tensho (1580)

Tokugawa Yoshinao, Keicho (1600). Koikuchi became thick.

Tensho goshirae with flat and round Kurijiri, and Tsuka is short.

To which type of saguri (kaerizuno) do these shapes belong?

3. Jidai Goshirae Kantei points:

1. Jidai goshirae typically have a handle (tsuka)-to-scabbard (saya) ratio of 1:3.5 or greater, meaning the handle is noticeably shorter than those of Edo-period koshirae.

2. There are two main forms of kojiri (end of the scabbard): angular and rounded.

3. The distance between the koikuchi and kurikata on tantō and wakizashi goshirae is about two finger-widths (1.5–3 cm), shorter than Edo-period examples.

4. While roiro lacquer finishes began in the Muromachi period, earlier examples often used black lacquer (kuro urushi) made with haki-zumi (charcoal powder), typical of pre-late Muromachi pieces. Roiro finishes tend to turn brown over time due to natural aging.

5. The shape of the saguri (kaeri-zuno) follows distinct period characteristics. From the left: Kamakura~Tenbun era. The right: Tensho~Gen'na era.

6. The shape of the tsuka also follows distinct period characteristics. From the left: Kamakura ~ Onin era. In the middle: Eisho~Tenbun era. The right: Tensho~Gen'na.

Closing thoughts

In this article, we focused mainly on the defining features of Jidai goshirae. In the future blog, we will compare these with Edo-period koshirae in more details. Naturally, the study of koshirae invites us to consider the tsuba, kōgai, kozuka, fuchi, and menuki that accompany them. Many Jidai goshirae feature ko-kinkō tsuba — often wondering, what shapes their hitsu-ana might have taken? It would be a pleasure to explore such questions together with you all again!

In the next article, we’ll bring you a preview of “gallery youyou’s presentation at the 2025 Dai Token Ichi volume 1.” Until then stay Tosogu Minded : )

Stay Tosogu Minded : )

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