Treasures of JapanA catalogue of Japan's designated cultural properties
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Important Cultural Property

Blade for a Glaive (Naginata)

薙刀
Blade for a Glaive (Naginata) (薙刀)
PLATE IImage: Tokyo National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0
At a glance — Swords & Armour · Kamakura period, 13th century · held by Tokyo National Museum · designated Important Cultural Property of Japan · Osafune Nagamitsu.

Fact Sheet

Designation
Important Cultural Property (重要文化財)
Date
1201–1300
Creator
Osafune Nagamitsu (長船長光、長光)
Location
Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID
cobas-74869

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This blade, called a [naginata], was mounted on a wooden pole, providing more reach and leverage than a sword. It was created in the 1200s by the master swordsmith Nagamitsu. He hardened the steel using a special technique that produced an intricate “clove-shaped” pattern along the cutting edge.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Cite this page: “Blade for a Glaive (Naginata)（薙刀）.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-74869. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/blade-for-a-glaive-naginata-tokyo-national-museum/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.
Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)
  • Genre: Arms & Armor
  • Cultural property designation: Important Cultural Property
  • Category: Applied arts:Arms and armor:Blades:Naginata
  • 員数: 1口
  • 分類: 刀剣
  • 種別: 工芸:武器・武具:刀剣:薙刀
  • 銘文等: 銘 長光

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太刀 銘長光
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