Nodachi by Bizen Sukesada

備前祐定の野太刀

Also known as: Tenbun Nodachi

Smith

Osafune Sukesada

Era

Late Muromachi period (early 16th century)

Type

Nodachi

Designation

Important Cultural Property

Location

Okayama Castle, Okayama Prefecture

Description

This nodachi is a masterwork created by Osafune Sukesada (known as Bizen Sukesada), who was renowned during the Sengoku period as a master of high-volume production. A nodachi is a large-format sword with a blade length exceeding one meter, employed by mounted warriors for slashing charges and to display the commanding presence of a general. This specimen boasts an impressive blade length of approximately 120 centimeters, and despite its considerable weight, exhibits a beautifully balanced form with a flowing hamon. The temper pattern exemplifies the characteristic sue-Bizen style with notare (gentle undulation) as the predominant element mixed with gunome (semicircular) forms, while the jigane displays the vivid itame-hada (wood-plank grain) characteristic of Bizen steel. The inscription on the tang confirms it was forged during the Tenbun era (1532–1555), and it is said to have passed through the hands of the Ukita clan, Sengoku warlords, before reaching the present day. It stands as a precious heritage exemplifying the pinnacle of Sengoku-period weapons technology.

Legends & Stories

According to tradition, when Ukita Naoie acquired this nodachi, the swordsmith declared, 'This blade will cleave open the realm,' and Naoie thereafter refused to part with it, calling it 'Tenka-biraki' (Opener of the Realm). On the eve of the Battle of Sekigahara, Ukita Hideie is said to have taken up the blade, and the steel blazed red in the torchlight. The sword also earned the nickname 'Ne-kiri' (Root-cutter) because test cuts performed with it invariably felled trees from their roots, a demonstration of its overwhelming power.