12th Century Samurai Sword Found in the Ceiling of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara Prefecture
One of the world’s oldest samurai swords resides in Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, Japan.
Discovering the sword was amazing, like finding a time capsule. He said the sword was probably donated to the shrine by someone wishing for divine protection by the residing deity. The sword and mountings were designated as an Important Art Object by the Agency of Cultural Affairs.- Kasuga Taisha Shinto priest, Hirotada Kasan-no-in
The rusted sword sat in the attic of the Kasuga Taisha shrine in Nara Prefecture for centuries. Although the blade was discovered in 1939, it was not until 2024 that it was identified as a priceless kohoki.
A recent ceremony to honor the traditions of shrine building took Place at Kasuga Taisha. Swords are sharpened, and tools are cleaned. The blade was realized during the cleaning as one of the oldest Japanese samurai swords ever found.
The priceless sword was sent to a leading restoration specialist, Koshu Hon’ami, for further cleaning, sharpening, and polishing. Hon’ami is considered a living national treasure as his family…
