NBSK 10th Sword Oshigata Art contest 2026

[Keiji]

Hello everyone, I also wanted to share with you my result at the last NBSK contest.

 

Last year, at my first participation, I received the “Kasaku” (佳作) award and it was a great honor for me, as well as seeing my work exhibited first at the Tetsu Museum in Sakaki machi (Nagano) and then at the Meiji Jingu in Tokyo.

The results were published in last days, and I can proudly say that I have confirmed the Kasaku award for the second consecutive year, in a context where the level is extremely high and the pursuit of perfection is constant.

 

This year, I decided to raise the bar with a more elaborate work and a more challenging execution technique: from the choice of an “archaic” hitatsura hamon, complex and highly dynamic, to the realization process itself, which led me to a nearly three-dimensional result. I worked in multiple layers, with different dilutions, using brushes and a shodō ink stick, following the teachings I received during my last trip to Japan and after countless hours of experimentation to find a balance that satisfied me. It was a process with no margin for correction. There are some imperfections but that's okay, we have to know how to accept them.

 

It was a long process—a true pursuit of perfection—almost a form of active meditation in which time seems to lose its meaning.

 

The choice of the kakemono (made in Japan), too, was not accidental: on the shirasaya there is an old label bearing the name of the blade, “Amanokawa” — the Milky Way — likely inspired by the long sunagashi and the brilliant nie that characterize it.
For this reason, we chose a display that would evoke, even if only from afar, a starry sky.

 

Below I leave you some photos, and thank you for your attention.

 

 

 

 

 

[Matsunoki]

Amazing, many congratulations . So nice to see that such skills, knowledge and ability still exist in this world. I understand your comment re “active meditation”. It is a very peaceful place to be. 

[Jussi Ekholm]

Congratulations Francesco, that is awesome. I feel this wonderful execution also shows your good eye for fine details 

[Gakusee]

Well done, Francesco! Sincere congratulations. 

[Keiji]

Thank you all for your feedback and kind words. I'll keep you updated on when the exhibition opens and whether there will be any special traveling exhibitions in Japan this year.

 

The awards ceremony will be held in June. I attended last year for the occasion. I must say I found NBSK to be a pleasant and cordial place. It was an honor to be there with such excellent Japanese craftspeople.

 

I'd like to take this opportunity to ask if any of you saw the exhibition at the Meiji Jingu Treasure Hall in November during the last DTI, and if you happened to have taken photos of the oshigata on display.

[Keiji]

On June 6th, the award ceremony and exhibition opening took place at the Tetsu Museum in Sakaki-machi.

I am thrilled to have challenged myself again this year and to have my work recognized with a new oshigata of a blade attributed to Hasebe Kunishige. An expert who saw it on display sent me this comment:

"The actual drawing has lighter colors, but the variations in intensity and depth were truly beautiful."

I am also in great company—alongside the finest Japanese artists, my friend Manuel's tsuba is also on display this year!

The exhibition runs until August 30th in the Japanese Alps. So, if you are in Japan and looking for a cool escape from the heat, this could be the perfect opportunity to visit!

 

This is the post by Iida Koendo, who attends the exhibition's opening ceremony every year: https://iidakoendo.com/17271/

 

 

[MassiveMoonHeh]

Francesco what a fantastic result - your work looks deserving in the place of honour! Well done!

[Keiji]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

 

If any forum members see the exhibition, I'd love to hear some photos and honest feedback!