* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Tachi signed "Ichi" (Nagashino Ichimonji)
太刀 銘 一（長篠一文字）
Also known as: Nagashino Ichimonji
Description
Overview
Nagashino Ichimonji is a tachi attributed to the Fukuoka Ichimonji school, which flourished in Bizen Province (present-day Okayama Prefecture) during the mid-Kamakura period. The blade measures 70.9 cm and bears the single-character inscription "Ichi" on its tang, hence it is also known as "Tachi signed Ichi." Its popular name derives from Oda Nobunaga's bestowal of the sword upon Okudaira Nobumasa in recognition of his valor at the Battle of Nagashino in 1575.
Style
The Fukuoka Ichimonji school was renowned within the Bizen tradition for its brilliant chōji-midare hamon, and this blade displays a bold, varied hamon dominated by large chōji patterns. The ji-hada is a finely packed ko-itame with thick ji-nie, conveying the formidable skill of the Ichimonji smiths of the mid-Kamakura period.
Provenance
During the Battle of Nagashino, Okudaira Nobumasa (then called Sadamasa) withstood a siege of Nagashino Castle against the vastly larger forces of Takeda Katsuyori with only a small garrison. In recognition of this feat, Oda Nobunaga granted Nobumasa a character from his own name ("Nobu") to adopt as "Nobumasa," and is said to have bestowed this tachi upon him as well.
Designation
The blade was designated a National Treasure and has long been preserved by descendants of the Okudaira family and related parties. It is regarded as one of the finest surviving examples of Fukuoka Ichimonji tachi in both condition and craftsmanship.
Current Location
The sword remains in private ownership and is held on deposit at the Sano Art Museum in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where it is periodically displayed in exhibitions.
Legend
Okudaira Nobumasa's tenacious defense of Nagashino Castle with a small garrison pinned down the massive Takeda army and paved the way for the decisive victory of the allied Oda-Tokugawa forces at the subsequent Battle of Nagashino-Shitaragahara. Nobunaga's gift of a character from his own name together with this tachi represented the highest possible recognition of that achievement.
Legends & Stories
Oda Nobunaga rewarded Okudaira Nobumasa's tenacious defense of Nagashino Castle against Takeda Katsuyori's vastly superior forces with the highest honors — a character from his own name and this tachi — a feat that paved the way for the allied victory at the subsequent Battle of Nagashino.