* Image is for illustrative purposes only.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
- No National Treasure or Important 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 and ō-suriage, with a blade length of 68.5 cm.
Presentation Account from Sekigahara
It takes its name from the Nabeshima family of the Saga domain in Hizen Province, who owned it. Nabeshima Katsushige, who had sided with the Western Army at the Battle of Sekigahara, is said to have immediately after the battle apologized to Tokugawa Ieyasu and presented this work to him on that occasion.
Provenance and Designation
After being presented, it passed down to the Tokugawa shogunal family. After the Meiji Restoration it was presented to Emperor Meiji and became gyobutsu (Imperial property), and after the war it became state property. It has not been designated as a National Treasure or an Important Cultural Property.
Present Location
It is currently 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.
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