[Late Exhibition Starts] Rarely Seen! Appreciate the Reverse Side of the Blade – Special Exhibition "Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Bizen Master Swords" / Nagoya Token World
The special exhibition "Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Bizen Master Swords" at Nagoya Token World will begin its late exhibition phase from Monday, April 27, showcasing the reverse side of sword blades, which are usually not seen. The exhibition also features a photo spot with a 180cm large sword panel, a mystery-solving event, and gallery talks by curators, offering a comprehensive experience of Japanese sword culture.
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The special exhibition "Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Bizen Master Swords," currently underway, will begin its late exhibition phase from Monday, April 27, where the front and back of the sword blades will be switched. While the front side of Mikazuki Kanemitsu was displayed in the early exhibition, the late exhibition will allow visitors to view the reverse side of six Japanese swords, including Mikazuki Kanemitsu. Furthermore, there will be a variety of engaging activities to enjoy alongside the exhibition, such as a "photo spot" where visitors can take commemorative photos with a 180cm "large sword panel," a "mystery-solving event," and "gallery talks" by curators. Through the exhibition and these experiences, you can feel the charm of Japanese swords more intimately.
Special Exhibition "Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Bizen Master Swords" Late Exhibition Starts from April 27 (Mon)
Highlight of the Late Exhibition! Displaying the rarely seen reverse side of the blade
The special exhibition "Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Bizen Master Swords" will begin its late exhibition phase from Monday, April 27. In the late exhibition, the blades of the six swords on display will be switched from their "front" to their "reverse" side.
Japanese swords are delicate works of art whose appearance changes significantly depending on how light hits them. Therefore, it is generally common in exhibitions to minimize lighting and show only one side of the blade.
In this exhibition, by dividing the period into early and late phases, we have created a structure where you can view both the front and reverse sides of the blade. Particularly, the highlight of this exhibition, "Mikazuki Kanemitsu," features a powerful Kurikara-ryu (dragon) carving on the omote (front) side of the blade and a crescent-shaped "yubashiri: hataraki" (temper pattern) that is the origin of its name. Furthermore, on the ura (reverse) side, an even more vivid yubashiri: hataraki can be seen, making it a sword with different charms on its front and reverse. You can also carefully appreciate the delicate changes in the hamon (temper pattern) and the date inscribed on the nakago (tang).
The display of the omote/sashi-omote (front) side will be until Sunday, April 26, and the display of the ura/sashi-ura (reverse) side will be from the following day, Monday, April 27. The late exhibition starting from April 27 (Mon) is a valuable opportunity to see the reverse side of the blade, which is usually not visible. Please take this opportunity to visit us.
《Ura》Tachi, Inscribed Bizen Osafune Kanemitsu, Enbun 5th Year, 6th Month (Mikazuki Kanemitsu)
Six swords with switched front and reverse sides:
- Tachi, Inscribed Bizen Osafune Kanemitsu, Enbun 5th Year, 6th Month (Alias: Mikazuki Kanemitsu)
- Tachi, Inscribed Bizen no Kuni Osafune-ju Kanemitsu, Kenmu □ Year □ Month □ Day
- Katana, Gold Inlay Inscription Kanemitsu
- Ken (Sword), Inscribed Morimitsu
- Katana, Inscribed Bizen no Kuni-ju Osafune Tadamitsu Saku, Entoku 3rd Year, 2nd Month (Alias: Hashirigumo Tadamitsu)
- Katana, Inscribed Bishu Osafune Sukesada, Eisho 2nd Year, 8th Month
Large Sword Panel and Commemorative Photo! Photo Spot Appears
From Tuesday, April 28, a special photo booth will appear where you can take photos with a large sword panel of Mikazuki Kanemitsu. The large sword panel, which also appeared in the special exhibition "Edo Sansaku and Their Disciples" held last November, became a hot topic on social media with comments like "It's too big!" and "The impact is amazing!"
This time, a large sword panel of Mikazuki Kanemitsu, approximately 180cm in length, will appear! Please take photos with your friends holding the sword panel in front of a background featuring a large crescent moon, or with your favorite goods, to create memories of your visit!
Installation Period: From Tuesday, April 28, until the end of this exhibition
Location: Main Building 2nd Floor Lobby
From April 28 (Tue), a large sword panel of Mikazuki Kanemitsu and a beautiful limited crescent moon background will appear!
Enjoy a Mystery-Solving Event with Your Family!
Mystery-solving sheet, original sticker (illustrations may change)
We are holding an event called "The Three Great Heroes' Search - Secrets of Warlords and Artworks" where you search for hidden items throughout the museum. This event has attracted many participants as an engaging activity alongside the exhibition.
To participate, simply take a "mystery-solving sheet" placed in the museum and tour the exhibition rooms. When you find the location indicated on the sheet, "The Three Great Heroes' Search" will be hidden there. Those who arrive at the correct keyword from the answer will receive an original sticker from the Nagoya Token Museum!
Participation Fee: Free (museum admission fee separate)
*Original stickers will be distributed until supplies last.
Introduction to the Highlights of Mikazuki Kanemitsu: Curator's Gallery Talk
During the special exhibition "Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Bizen Master Swords," gallery talks by curators are held to deepen your understanding of Bizen swords, including Mikazuki Kanemitsu.
Mikazuki Kanemitsu, a highlight of this exhibition, is a famous sword with different charms on its front and reverse sides, such as the Kurikara-ryu carving and the crescent-shaped yubashiri: hataraki. In the talk, in addition to these appreciation points, the background of its creation and the characteristics of the swordsmith will be explained in an easy-to-understand manner, incorporating specialized content. Knowing how to view the works will make your exhibition appreciation even more fulfilling. It is also recommended for those who want to become familiar with Japanese swords.
Gallery Talk
*Dates are posted on the official website calendar. Or announced on official SNS (X, Instagram).
Time: 2:00 PM~
Location: North Building 4th Floor Special Exhibition Room
Special Exhibition Name
Special Exhibition "Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Bizen Master Swords"
Period
2
Special Exhibition "Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Bizen Master Swords" Late Exhibition Starts from April 27 (Mon)
Highlight of the Late Exhibition! Displaying the rarely seen reverse side of the blade
The special exhibition "Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Bizen Master Swords" will begin its late exhibition phase from Monday, April 27. In the late exhibition, the blades of the six swords on display will be switched from their "front" to their "reverse" side.
Japanese swords are delicate works of art whose appearance changes significantly depending on how light hits them. Therefore, it is generally common in exhibitions to minimize lighting and show only one side of the blade.
In this exhibition, by dividing the period into early and late phases, we have created a structure where you can view both the front and reverse sides of the blade. Particularly, the highlight of this exhibition, "Mikazuki Kanemitsu," features a powerful Kurikara-ryu (dragon) carving on the omote (front) side of the blade and a crescent-shaped "yubashiri: hataraki" (temper pattern) that is the origin of its name. Furthermore, on the ura (reverse) side, an even more vivid yubashiri: hataraki can be seen, making it a sword with different charms on its front and reverse. You can also carefully appreciate the delicate changes in the hamon (temper pattern) and the date inscribed on the nakago (tang).
The display of the omote/sashi-omote (front) side will be until Sunday, April 26, and the display of the ura/sashi-ura (reverse) side will be from the following day, Monday, April 27. The late exhibition starting from April 27 (Mon) is a valuable opportunity to see the reverse side of the blade, which is usually not visible. Please take this opportunity to visit us.
《Ura》Tachi, Inscribed Bizen Osafune Kanemitsu, Enbun 5th Year, 6th Month (Mikazuki Kanemitsu)
Six swords with switched front and reverse sides:
- Tachi, Inscribed Bizen Osafune Kanemitsu, Enbun 5th Year, 6th Month (Alias: Mikazuki Kanemitsu)
- Tachi, Inscribed Bizen no Kuni Osafune-ju Kanemitsu, Kenmu □ Year □ Month □ Day
- Katana, Gold Inlay Inscription Kanemitsu
- Ken (Sword), Inscribed Morimitsu
- Katana, Inscribed Bizen no Kuni-ju Osafune Tadamitsu Saku, Entoku 3rd Year, 2nd Month (Alias: Hashirigumo Tadamitsu)
- Katana, Inscribed Bishu Osafune Sukesada, Eisho 2nd Year, 8th Month
Large Sword Panel and Commemorative Photo! Photo Spot Appears
From Tuesday, April 28, a special photo booth will appear where you can take photos with a large sword panel of Mikazuki Kanemitsu. The large sword panel, which also appeared in the special exhibition "Edo Sansaku and Their Disciples" held last November, became a hot topic on social media with comments like "It's too big!" and "The impact is amazing!"
This time, a large sword panel of Mikazuki Kanemitsu, approximately 180cm in length, will appear! Please take photos with your friends holding the sword panel in front of a background featuring a large crescent moon, or with your favorite goods, to create memories of your visit!
Installation Period: From Tuesday, April 28, until the end of this exhibition
Location: Main Building 2nd Floor Lobby
From April 28 (Tue), a large sword panel of Mikazuki Kanemitsu and a beautiful limited crescent moon background will appear!
Enjoy a Mystery-Solving Event with Your Family!
Mystery-solving sheet, original sticker (illustrations may change)
We are holding an event called "The Three Great Heroes' Search - Secrets of Warlords and Artworks" where you search for hidden items throughout the museum. This event has attracted many participants as an engaging activity alongside the exhibition.
To participate, simply take a "mystery-solving sheet" placed in the museum and tour the exhibition rooms. When you find the location indicated on the sheet, "The Three Great Heroes' Search" will be hidden there. Those who arrive at the correct keyword from the answer will receive an original sticker from the Nagoya Token Museum!
Participation Fee: Free (museum admission fee separate)
*Original stickers will be distributed until supplies last.
Introduction to the Highlights of Mikazuki Kanemitsu: Curator's Gallery Talk
During the special exhibition "Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Bizen Master Swords," gallery talks by curators are held to deepen your understanding of Bizen swords, including Mikazuki Kanemitsu.
Mikazuki Kanemitsu, a highlight of this exhibition, is a famous sword with different charms on its front and reverse sides, such as the Kurikara-ryu carving and the crescent-shaped yubashiri: hataraki. In the talk, in addition to these appreciation points, the background of its creation and the characteristics of the swordsmith will be explained in an easy-to-understand manner, incorporating specialized content. Knowing how to view the works will make your exhibition appreciation even more fulfilling. It is also recommended for those who want to become familiar with Japanese swords.
Gallery Talk
*Dates are posted on the official website calendar. Or announced on official SNS (X, Instagram).
Time: 2:00 PM~
Location: North Building 4th Floor Special Exhibition Room
Special Exhibition Name
Special Exhibition "Mikazuki Kanemitsu and Bizen Master Swords"
Period
2