* Image is for illustrative purposes only.

Other Famous SwordsTachiGoyuisho-mono (heirloom passed down with the Imperial Throne)

Tsubokiri Gyoken

壺切御剣

Also known as: Tsubo-kiri

Smith

Unknown (traditionally attributed to Nobufusa of the Ko-Bizen school)

Era

Heian period

Type

Tachi

Designation

Goyuisho-mono (heirloom passed down with the Imperial Throne)

Location

Imperial Household Agency, Tokyo

Description

The Tsubokiri Gyoken is an Imperial heirloom (goyuisho-mono) passed down through generations at the investiture of the heir to the throne as Crown Prince (rittaishi). It is a distinguished tachi that is currently bestowed upon Prince Akishino (Fumihito), the heir to the throne. Its origin goes back to Kanpyō 5 (893), when Emperor Uda bestowed it on Prince Atsuhito (later Emperor Daigo) at his investiture as Crown Prince. The first sword was lost in a fire at the imperial palace in the late Heian period, and the second sword, which was substituted in its place, has been transmitted to the present day. The second sword is said to be the work of Nobufusa of Ko-Bizen. The blade is said to be double-edged and broad in width. The name “Tsubokiri” is said to derive from the episode of cutting a jar (tsubo). Even today, it is bestowed by the Emperor at the Rittaishi no Rei (Crown Prince investiture ceremony) and the Rikkōshi no Rei (ceremony proclaiming the heir).

Legends & Stories

The Tsubokiri Gyoken has been bestowed on each successive Crown Prince at the time of investiture, and for more than a thousand years it has been handed down within the Imperial House as a symbol of imperial succession. It is also said that its origins go back to the reign of Emperor Uda.