明治〜現代Modern and Contemporary
近代刀の復興と変遷
The Revival and Evolution of Modern Swords
Following the Meiji Restoration (1868), the Edict of Sword Abolition and the Abolition of the Han System brought about the collapse of the sword smith system, yet on the other hand a movement to revive swords as art objects emerged. From the Imperial Household Ministry official sword smiths of the Meiji period through military swords and contemporary Living National Treasures of the Showa period, "modern swords" underwent transformation across multiple contexts of practical use, artistic beauty, and cultural property protection. Overcoming GHQ confiscation of swords in the post-WWII period, and from 1950 onward following the establishment of the Cultural Properties Protection Law, modern swords were redefined as craft art, forming a lineage that continues into today's sword renaissance.
Notable Swordsmiths:Miyairi Shōhei (1st generation, 1913–1977) — The pinnacle of modern sword smiths, the first sword smith to be designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder (Living National Treasure) in 1963. Based in Nagano, he conducted his own unique sword-forging methods utilizing the iron, water, and charcoal of Shinshū Azumino, leaving masterpieces that fused the elegance of old swords with modern techniques. His achievements became the foundation of the contemporary sword smith system.Gassan Sadaichi (1st generation, 1836–1918) — A master of the Meiji and Taisho periods who revived the Dewa Gassan tradition in the modern age. As an Imperial Household Ministry official sword smith, he handled sword forging for the Imperial Court and transmitted to future generations the techniques of the Gassan school, known for its distinctive jigane called 'ayasugihada.' The second-generation Gassan Sadaichi also became an Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder and is regarded as a model of traditional transmission in the modern period.Sumitani Masamine (1921–1998) — An Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder of the Showa and Heisei periods who was active based in Wakayama. A sword smith who researched and revived the ancient methods of the Bizen and Sōshū traditions in the contemporary era, embodying the 'fusion of tradition and creativity.' His works are housed in museums both domestically and internationally, forming the foundation for contemporary swords to be evaluated internationally as craft art.