昭和8年4月1日に公布・施行された「重要美術品等ノ保存ニ関スル法律」は当時、多くの貴重な我が国の美術品が海外に流出している状況に鑑み、その輸出・移出を防止する目的で制定されました。

その認定の基準は国宝級というところに置かれ、国宝となる資格をもちながらもまだ指定に至っていない、いわば準国宝としての位置づけで、昭和24年まで美術工芸品と建造物を合わせて8,000件を越える物件が認定を受けました。

昭和25年5月30日に「文化財保護法」が公布され、同年8月29日に同法が施行されることに伴い、「重要美術品等ノ保存ニ関スル法律」は廃止となりました。しかし「文化財保護法」の附則において「認定されている物件については、同法は当分の間、なおその効力を有する」とされ、現在でも刀剣・刀装・刀装具は合計で1,000点以上が重要美術品として認定されています。

本展では重要美術品に認定された刀剣のみを取り揃え、その研ぎ澄まされた魅力に迫る展示です。その美術性の高さをご賞翫いただくと共に、刀剣を通じて我が国に受け継がれてきた精神性と美意識を感じていただけますと幸いです。

最後になりましたが、本展を開催するにあたり、貴重な作品のご出品をご快諾くださいましたご所蔵者の方々、ならびにご協力を賜りました関係者各位に深甚の御礼を申し上げます。

The Law for the Preservation of Important Works of Art, promulgated and enforced on April 1, 1933 (Shōwa 8), was established in response to the serious outflow of many precious Japanese artworks overseas, with the aim of preventing their export and removal from the country.

The criteria for designation under this law were set at a level equivalent to that of National Treasures. Objects qualified for National Treasure status but had not yet been officially designated were effectively positioned as “quasi–National Treasures.” By 1949 (Shōwa 24), more than 8,000 items—including works of art, crafts, and architectural structures—had been certified under this system.

With the promulgation of the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties on May 30, 1950 (Shōwa 25), and its enforcement on August 29 of the same year, the earlier law was abolished. However, supplementary provisions of the new law stipulated that, with regard to objects already designated, the former law would remain in effect for the time being. As a result, even today more than 1,000 swords, sword mountings, and sword fittings remain designated as Important Art Objects.

This exhibition brings together exclusively swords that have been recognized as Important Art Objects, offering visitors the opportunity to appreciate their refined and enduring beauty. We hope that, in addition to experiencing their outstanding artistic quality, visitors will also sense the spiritual depth and aesthetic consciousness that have been passed down through generations in Japan through the medium of the sword.

Finally, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the collectors who graciously consented to lend these important works, as well as to all those who contributed to the realization of this exhibition.