Nabeshima-Gō

鍋島江

Also known as: Nabeshima-Gō; attributed to Gō Yoshihiro

Smith

Attributed to Gō Yoshihiro (Etchū Province)

Era

Nanbokuchō period (14th century)

Type

Uchigatana

Designation

Unranked (no formal cultural-property designation)

Location

Tokyo National Museum

Description

An Uchigatana Attributed to Gō Yoshihiro

Nabeshima-Gō is an uchigatana attributed to Gō Yoshihiro, a swordsmith of Etchū Province active in the Nanbokuchō period. It is mumei after having its tang greatly shortened (ō-suriage), with a blade length of 68.5 cm.

Offered to Tokugawa Ieyasu After Sekigahara

The sword takes its name from Nabeshima Katsushige, the first lord of the Saga domain in Hizen Province, who owned it. Katsushige had fought for the Western Army at the Battle of Sekigahara; immediately afterward, in apology to Tokugawa Ieyasu, he is said to have presented this sword to him.

Provenance and Designation

The blade thereafter passed down through the Tokugawa shogunal family, and after the Meiji Restoration it was presented to Emperor Meiji and became state property. It has never received a formal government cultural-property designation.

Present Location

It is now held by the Tokyo National Museum.

Legends & Stories

Nabeshima Katsushige, lord of the Saga domain, had fought for the Western Army at Sekigahara; immediately after the battle he is said to have presented this sword to Tokugawa Ieyasu as a token of apology.