Nagasone Kotetsu (長曾禰 虎徹) is considered the most famous Japanese swordsmith of the Edo period, which lasted from 1603 to 1868. The Tokugawa shoguns ruled Japan at this time. This period owes its name to its then capital Edo, which is today's Tokyo.
The life of Nagasone Kotetsu
Nagasone Kotetsu was born around 1579 in Samayama in Shiga Prefecture and initially went by the name Nagasone Okisato. Like his father, he initially began working as a weaponsmith, but then switched to swordsmithing.
His father served the samurai and ruler of Sawayama, Ishida Mitsunari (石田 三成). When he was killed during the Battle of After Sekigahara was overthrown by Tokugawa Ieyasu in October 1600, the Nagasone family fled with the young Kotetsu from Samayama to the province of Echizen and settled in the city of Fukui.
Why did his name change?
Nagasone Okisato took the name Kotetsu during his Buddhist head shaving in the Kan'eiji temple in Edo. He spent the rest of his life there and in the Kantō region and died there in 1678 at the age of 81.
The swords of Nagasone Kotetsu
The swords forged by Nagasone Kotetsu are known for their strength. They were said to be able to cut through all types of armour, especially the helmets that were common at the time. He crafted his swords with the utmost precision.
There are records in which it is said, that he only forged 31 swordswhich bear his name as a signature. Other records draw a different conclusion and prove that he signed 50 different swords.
Many manga, anime and video games feature swords with the name "Kotetsu". Examples include the manga series One Piece and Black Cat.
Forgeries of his swords
Nagasone Kotetsu's swords are considered to be among the most frequently counterfeited specimens. Over the last few centuries, a large number of fake blades bearing his name have been created. But even during his lifetime, his blades were imitated due to their good reputation.
Kotetsu is said to have once said about a contemporary sword: "The blade is mine, but not the signature." This statement refers to the fact that a large number of sword polishers and sword appraisers are said to be responsible for adding a forged signature to unsigned blades of his in order to increase their price.
Would you like to find out more about swordsmiths in Japan? In our category Famous swordsmiths you will find further interesting articles.
