25/03/2026
🇯🇵 GASSAN SADAICHI × GASSAN SADATOSHI
Father & Son Masterwork — with Exceptional Horimono & Sayagaki
A Masterpiece of Lineage, Spirit, and Living Tradition
“This blade is not merely a work of craftsmanship it is a historic convergence of legacy, forged through the shared spirit of a legendary father and son, among the most revered swordsmiths in Japanese history,
whose mastery has resonated across the world.”
Rarely does an object so completely embody the union of heritage, mastery, and spiritual symbolism as this extraordinary wakizashi—
a distinguished collaboration between two of Japan’s most celebrated masters,
Gassan Sadaichi and Gassan Sadatoshi.
Signed: Yamato no Kuni Ju Gassan Sadaichi Sadatoshi Gassaku (Kao)
Showa Go Ju hachi Nen Roku Gatsu Kichi Hi (Lucky Day on June, 1983)
Swordsmith: Gassan Sadaichi (1907-1995), Gassan Sadatoshi (1946-)
Period: Showa 58
Location: Yamato province
Approx measurements: Nagasa (cutting edge length): 54 cm; Motohaba (width): 3.57 cm
Shape: “Kanmuri otoshi” which is the style in which the shinogi is beveled in like a Naginata zukuri
Hada: ayasugi mokume mix
Hamon: very fine bright nie done in a gunome notare midare with Ashi, yo and fine kinsuji
Horimono: God of War Fudo Myoo, obverse is a very traditional suken done in kebori
Nakago: ubu, one mekugi-ana
Signature: Yamato no Kuni Ju Gassan Sadaichi Sadatoshi Gassaku (Kao) Showa Go Ju hachi Nen Roku Gatsu Kichi Hi (Lucky Day on June, 1983)
Dated: June 1983
Ratings / Awards:
Gassan Sadaichi – In the 3rd Shinsaku Meitôten, the sword forging competition held in 1967 by the NBTHK, in the course of which he received both the Masamune Award and the Bunkachô Chairman´s Award for his copy of the famous spear Nihongô (日本号). In 1970 received rank of mukansa and Intangible Cultural Property of Nara Prefecture. Juyo Mukei Bunkazai (Living National Treasure) in 1971. He received the Order of the Rising Sun 4th class in 1979
Gassan Sadatoshi – Mukansa status in 1982. Working at Sakurai city in Nara Pref he became intangible cultural property of Sakurai City, (Nara Prefecture) in 1997. In 2003 he became intangible cultural property of Nara Prefecture. Gassan Sadatoshi is in line to be designated National Treasure. Gassan Sadatoshi also went on to receive the Order of the Rising Sun 5th class in 2016
Saya-gaki:
守護 相州傳鍛法以秘術長壹尺七寸八分不動尊像梵字素剣之切物
昭和五十八年六月吉日 大和国三輪山狭井河之上 御刀鍛冶工太阿月山源貞一仝貞利謹合作
Shugo – Sōshū-den tanpō o motte hijutsu nagasa 1 shaku 7 sun 8 bu Fudō-sonzō, bonji, suken no
kirimono.
Shōwa gojūhachinen rokugatsu kichijitsu – Yamato no Kuni Miwayama Saigawa no hotori – okatana kaji-kō –Tai’a Gassan Minamoto Sadaichi dō Sadatoshi kin-gassaku + kaō.
For (divine) protection – Forged in the Sōshū tradition, blade length ~ 53.9 cm, engravings of the deity Fudō, of a bonji (Sanskrit character), and of a suken (stylized ritual sword).
On a lucky day in June of 1983 – This sword was carefully made together by the swordsmiths Tai’a Gassan Minamoto Sadaichi and Sadatoshi at the Saigawa near Mt. Miwa in Yamato province + kaō
Included: Original silk bag with stitched in writing.
“A very rare and outstanding blade by Gassan Sadaichi, the son of the famous Gassan Sadakatsu, who was the son of the most famous Gassan Sadakazu. Sadaichi took the name of his grandfather, and continued his fame by becoming a living national treasure. His skill, in both sword making as well as carving shows well in this blade. What makes this particular blade interesting and rare as well is the fact that it was jointly made with his son Gassan Sadatoshi. Swords by Living National treasure smiths are rarely offered for sale, and most people are not aware of their true inherit value.
Sadaichi’s blades are actually very rare, as he did not make many blades after he received his top title. He devoted his time to making his blades very special and of top quality. He was born on November 8, 1907, and passed away on April 1, 1995. He received his title as the 2nd generation Sadaichi (Sadakazu) on 1966, and then was awarded the highest title possible of Juyo Mukei Bunkazai (Living National Treasure) in 1971.
This blade is really spectacular, done in the Soshu style of swordmaking. The wide body with the extended Okissaki matches well the Soshu den hamon. The blade shape is known as “Kanmuri otoshi” which is the style in which the shinogi is beveled in like a Naginata zukuri. The hamon is made up of very fine bright nie done in a gunome notare midare. Ashi, yo and fine kinsuji appear in the hamon.
The grain pattern is outstanding as well, done in a ayasugi mokume mix, this hada is fantastic to look at! Chikei and fine ji nie appear all throughout the ji. One can easily tell that this is a masterpiece work by the 2 smiths. And, as if that was not enough, the carving is excellent done by one of the best carvers of the time. One side has the God of War Fudo Myoo deeply carved very expertly showing great skill and strength, and on the obverse is a very traditional suken done in kebori. In top Japanese polish (Living National Treasure blades usually are only polished by the best polishers).
A sword of this quality rivals many of that done by older famous smiths and are hardly ever offered to the public for sale. In a top level shirasaya with a rare sayagaki by Sadaichi’s own hand stating that this blade was jointly made with his son, in a special method that is a secret Soshu tradition. This blade was made around 12 years after he received his title of Living National Treasure.” –
Written by Mike Yamasaki.
Permanent Collection : Japanese Sword Museum Thailand
