Blade for a Sword (Katana)

Masazane

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Masazane was a swordsmith active in the late Muromachi period in Ise (in present-day Mie prefecture). He was one of the most important swordsmiths of the Sengo Muramasa School. His best known work is a spear, the so-called Tonbogiri (dragonfly cutter), one of three famous spears, each of which was made by a renowned swordsmith. This sword has a highly distinctive steel surface, made in the ayasugihada (concentrically curved grain) pattern. Blades with the ayasugihada pattern have been the trademark of the celebrated Gasan School of swordsmiths since the fourteenth century. This Masazane sword is the only known example of a blade with the ayasugihada pattern made by a swordsmith outside of the Gasan School. It is thus an important example of the work of Masazane and of the influence of the Gasan School on other swordsmiths. The sword is in perfect condition, is signed and dated, and has an extremely rare grain pattern, a combination of important qualities seldom found in a single sword. The tang is inscribed on the front, FUJIWARA MASAZANE SAKU (Masazane made this), and on the reverse, DAIEI ROKUNEN HACHIGATSU JŪNINICHI (August 12, 1526).

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art