Menu Close

Updated: 18 Feb 2025

Antique Japanese Sword Daisho Attributed to Hiroshige and Munekage
NTHK Kanteisho Certificate

$11,514.66

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.

SHIPPING TO :
USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany , Belgium, France, Finland, Hong Kong, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.

INCLUDED : NTHK Kanteisho Certificate×2, Koshirae Mounting×2, Shirasaya Case×2, Traditional Sword Carrying Case×2, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

Category Katana (SHINTO)& Wakizashi (KOTO)
Age Early Edo period (1661-1673)
Late Muromachi period (1573-1592)
Swordsmith Attributed to Shitahara Hiroshige (下原広重: Unsigned)
Bungo Takada Munekage (豊後高田統景: Unsigned)
Certificate NTHK Kanteisho Certificate×2 (Katana, Wakizashi)
Location Musashi province (Today’s Tokyo)
Bungo province (Today’s Oita prefecture)
Blade Size Cutting Length: 66.3 cm (26.1 inches)
Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 inches)

Cutting Length: 50.8 cm (20.0 inches)
Curvature: 1.1 cm (0.43 inches)

More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us. 

In stock

Antique Japanese Sword Daisho attributed to Hiroshige and Munekage with NTHK Kanteisho Certificate

【Description】

Katana

 This blade is attributed to Shitahara Hiroshige (下原広重) during the Kanbun era (1661-1673: early Edo period). Shitahara is the name of the area in Hachioji city in Tokyo area today where he created blades. According to NTHK that authenticated this blade, it was forged approximately in the early Edo period (Early-Mid 17th century). Hiroshige belonged to the Bushu Shitahara school, located in today’s Tokyo (Hachioji city). It is said that Yamamoto Norishige founded the school, and it thrived from the end of the Muromachi period to the late Edo period (Late 16th century to Late 19th century).

 

 Shitahara Kaji is the group of swordsmiths under the Hojo clan’s auspicious, powerful feudal line during the late Muromachi period. After the Toyotomi clan destroyed the Hojo clan in the Azuchi Momoyama period, Shitahara started to serve the Tokugawa clan as Okakae Kaji, swordsmiths exclusively working for a specific feudal family. Most of the Shitahara swordsmith’s real sir name was Yamamoto. They especially flourished during the late Muromachi period – early Edo period. They kept forging for the Tokugawa clan until the end of the Edo period. Among the Bushu Shitahara group, Hiroshige was one of the most famous ones. The maker’s name, Hiroshige, lasted for several generations.

Wakizashi

 This blade is attributed to Bungo Takada Munekage (豊後高田統景), who belonged to a prestigious school named Takada (高田). He was active during the Tensho era (1573-1592: late Muromachi period).

 Takada school was founded by Takada Tomoyuki in Takada village, Bungo domain (today’s Oita prefecture), during the Nanbokucho period (1334-1338 A.D). Takada Tomoyuki went to Bizen province (today’s Okayama prefecture) to master the sword-forging techniques of BIZEN and returned to the village and trained his apprentices. That is how Takada school started.

 

 Those who forged swords in Takada village before the Edo period were called Taira Takada and Fujiwara Takada during the Edo period. This blade is categorized as a Taira Takada. During Sengoku period (the Warring State period: from late 15 C to late 16 C), the Takada school forged many swords for many Samurais in Kyushu island. It is said that the reputation of the blades forged by Takada school was close to MINO or BIZEN swords, two of which are the most famous sword forging places.

 The Bungo domain was ruled by Otomo Yoshishige (Sorin) during the Sengoku period. Yoshishige and his domain built a strong military and political base there. Yoshishige was known as one of the most famous warlords on Kyushu island. It is said that Takada swordsmiths forged swords for those who served the Otomo clan. And, it is said that Munekage served Otomo Ysohimune, the first son of Otomo Yoshikage.

 Generally speaking, Kyushu island was prosperous in sword-making because of its long trading history with Asian countries. Many feudal lords on this island fought against each other to gain an advantage in trading. Takada school received many orders as the demand increased among those lords.

 The material of Japanese swords (high-quality iron sand and charcoal) was abundant in mount Sobo Katamuki, located near Takada village. We believe Takada school prospered because of its geographic location and natural resources.

What is Daisho?

 Daisho is a pair of two Japanese swords Samurai carried. During the Edo period, having Daisho in public places was considered social status for Samurai. Furthermore, Samurai were required to wear them under the law back then. Daisho is written as 大=Big and 小=Small. Dai part means Katana, and Sho part means Wakizashi. 

 

*Please keep in mind that there are a few Kitae Kizu on the blade of this Katana and Wakizashi. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.

 

【Blade】

-Katana
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)66.3 cm (26.1 inches)
Curvature(Sori)1.4 cm (0.55 inches)

-Wakizashi
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)50.8 cm (20.0 inches)
Curvature(Sori)1.1 cm (0.43 inches)

Hamon
The crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process
Jimon(Jihada)
visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process

-Katana



-Wakizashi



KissakiKissaki is the tip of the Japanese sword. 

 

NakagoNakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.

 Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang because it prevents red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, and it is a great indicator for a Japanese sword specialist to estimate when the sword was forged.

 

Koshirae:Koshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya (Sabbard), Tsuka (Handle), Tsuba (Handguard).

 

Fuchi-KashiraA pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.

 The motif of these Fuchi Kashiera’s decorations is the Karajishi (唐獅子). The Shishi (獅子) means a lion in Japanese, and the Karajishi is a lion brought from the continent to Japan in the Toh period (唐, Tang dynasty, 618-907). The Karajishi typically has curly hair for its head, neck, body, and tail, as seen on this work. In Buddhism, the Karajishi is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, and Monju Bosatu (文殊菩薩, Manjushri Bodhisattva) rides lions. According to a theory, the Karajishi is the origin of Komainu (狛犬, stone guardian dogs that exorcize evil spirits). It shows this animal motif has been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times. 

 

Tsuka and MenukiTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.

 These Menukis have the same auspicious beast motifs, Karajishi, as the Fuchi Kashira. One of these Karajishis on each Menuki is colored with shiny golden paint. It makes this work look gorgeous and enhances the elegant impression of the entire handle part. 

 

 

Tsuba and HabakiTsuba is the handguard for the Japanese Sword and Habaki is the equipment to make the blade not touch its scabbard inside. It prevents the blade from getting rusty and chipped. 

 The theme of these Tsubas is the Unryu Zu (雲龍図). It is a combination of dragons (龍) and clouds (雲). Initially, the dragon is an imaginary creature found in ancient Chinese traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbolic beast of auspicious signs. Its body is likened to nine animals: antlers are deer, the head is a camel, eyes are demons, the neck is a snake, belly is Mizuchi (蛟, mythical animal in Japan which looks like a snake and have a horn and four legs), scales are fish, claws are falcons, palms are tigers, and ears are cows. It was thought that the dragon would reign at the top of all animals because of its odd-looking appearance.

 Regarding the cloud pattern, clouds bring blessed rain and snow, and their movements significantly affect the day’s weather. Due to its supernatural power, a theory says that gods, spirits, and dragons dwell in the clouds. In Japan, there is a belief that worships dragons as water gods. Since rice cultivation has flourished in this country, people always treat water as an essential resource. We imagine some people wished for a plentiful harvest in the Unryu theme. From such a religious aspect, we could infer that dragon designs were familiar to people.

KozukaKozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu (groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).

 The motif of this Kozuka seems to be a traditional New Year’s decoration using a real Japanese spiny lobster (伊勢海老, Ise Ebi), which is called the Kazari Ebi (飾り海老, a lobster decoration). The decoration, made from real lobsters, have been a traditional craft since the Edo period. Lobsters are also the seasonal word for the New Year. It is said that lobsters have been considered a symbol of health and longevity and immortality since its name consists of 海 (sea) and 老(elderly, aged) when written in Kanji, or they have long whiskers and curved waist. Also, the shape of lobsters has been associated with a Samurai in armor and favored by Samurai worriers as a good luck charm. In addition, boiled lobsters are considered auspicious because of their brilliant vermilion color. 

 

SayaSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.  

 These scabbards are decorated with crushed seashells and covered with black lacquer. We think this ornamental scabbard painting is categorized as a type of the Aogai Mijin Nuri (青貝微塵塗). It uses the Aogai (青貝, a kind of seashell). Finely crushed shells are coated with lacquer. It emits a unique blue-green color with a rainbow-colored glow. This work’s delicate brilliance is scattered on the black lacquer ground, and it seems as if it depicts a starry sky. We hope you will appreciate its elegant and gorgeous look.

 Due to its high waterproof effect, lacquer has been used since ancient times in Asia. The blade of a Japanese sword is made of iron, and moisture is the greatest enemy of iron. For the purpose of carrying the blade without degrading it, people devised a method of coating the scabbard with lacquer. To prevent not only moisture but also rain and snow from penetrating the inside of the scabbard, it was necessary to apply multiple layers of lacquer. The Nurushi (塗師, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.

 

Authentication PaperNTHK-NPO Kanteisho Certificate for Katana, Wakizashi (No. 12833&12832)

NTHK, also known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai, is the oldest organization for sword authentication of Japanese swords in modern times. It was established in 1910 during the post-Samurai era. They authenticated the Katana and Wakizashi blades on October 20th in the 6th year of Reiwa (2024). The purchaser will receive these original certificates as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file for your record if you request.

 

 

Registration Number : Chiba 26279-26280

The Board of Education in Chiba prefecture issued a registration paper for the Katana and Wakizashi blade. It is called Jyu Hou Token Rui Tourokusho (銃砲刀剣類登録証). Bunkacho (The Agency for Cultural Affairs) acknowledges a Japanese sword with this paper as a work of art.
The sword needs to be traditionally hand-forged and made of Tamahagane carbon steel to be registered in the system. With this paper, its owner in Japan can legally own an authentic Japanese sword. Based on this registration number, we will apply for its export permit.
This paper will need to be returned to the board of education when the sword is being shipped abroad, but you can receive a copy of it. An English translation of this registration paper is available on request.

—————————————————————–

【About us】
 Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.

Japanese Sword& Export Process
 The Japanese swords we deal with are hand-forged edged swords made in Japan. It was made from the traditional carbon steel called TAMAHAGANE(玉鋼). Samurai Museum is familiar with the proper legal procedure for an antique/ authentic Japanese sword to be exported from Japan. We have sent more than 1000 Japanese swords for the past few years (~2025) to amazing owners who appreciate its historical value.

 Each Japanese sword is registered under the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Board of Education in Japan. They issue a registration paper for each Japanese sword for its owner in Japan to legally possess it. The Japanese sword with its registration paper means it was traditionally hand-forged in Japan.

 To legally export the sword from Japan to other countries, we will have to apply for its permit to the Agency for Cultural Affairs(Bunkacho) and return the original registration paper to the Board of Education. It normally takes around 2-4 weeks to receive this permit after submitting required documents. And we would like you to expect at least 1-1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered. For more detailed info, please click here.

 It is allowed for residents in Japan to own authentic Japanese swords without a special license as long as they come with registration papers. Please feel free to contact us if you are a resident of Japan, whether temporarily or permanently. We will also assist you when you leave Japan and need to obtain the export permit.

【Payment Method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. After confirming your payment, we will apply for an export permit. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD,EUR CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate. 

* If the amount is above 1 million JPY, Stripe or wire transfer will be the only options for payment.

【Shipping】
 We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany , Belgium, France, Finland, Hong Kong, Australia. If you don’t live in these countries and like to order, please contact us first before making a purchase. We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can send antique Japanese swords by EMS. 

 We normally ship by EMS(Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. We will send you a tracking number for your order as soon as we hand it to the post office. We will put 100 % insurance on the shipping document without any extra charge. Based on the total amount, there might be a duty tax or other fee for you to pay, depending on the countries. We use package cushioning to protect the item and put it in a PVC pipe, which is one of the most secure packages because of its durability.

 It will normally takes 5-14 days for the item to arrive at your given address after we dispatch it. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.

* If you live in Australia and like to purchase an authentic Japanese sword, please click here to know the detail.

* If you live in the UK and like to purchase an authentic Japanese sword, please contact us first and click here to know the detail.

【Review】
 Here is one of the reviews we received from a customer who purchased an authentic Japanese sword from us. For more reviews, please click here.
“My experience overall with the whole process was wonderful. I had many questions about the history and process to purchase these treasures. All my questions were answered very timely and complete. The staff is very knowledgeable and very well versed if any questions do arise.”

【How to make sure the condition】
 Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision. It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of a sword. and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.

【How To Contact Us】
 Please contact us through email, Facebook Messenger or Live Chat if you have any questions. You can find each icon on the right side of the website. Please click one of them to reach us. We will reply to you within 1-2 business days.

The Art of Nihonto (Japanese Sword)
 Samurai’s history is a profound, eloquent legacy of ancient Japanese warriors in which millions of people worldwide are being fascinated. If you like to find out the art of Nihonto, please click here.

A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance
 After acquiring an genuine Japanese sword, it is also important to know how to take good care of it. Here is the special video for you. Mr. Paul Martin, Japanese sword expert, shows you how to give proper maintenance to your sword. By mastering how to clean the Japanese sword, its aesthetic beauty will last forever.

 When you purchase a Japanese sword from us, you can get a Free Japanese sword maintenance kit. It comes with four tools(Choji Oil, Uchiko Whetstone Powder, Peg remover, Oil Applicator). By watching the video instruction above , you can enjoy learning how to maintain your Japanese sword while appreciating it. If  you have any difficulty assembling the sword or cleaning the blade, you can feel free to contact us.

 

MORE ANTIQUE JAPANESE SWORD FOR SALE

SWORDS WITHOUT CERTIFICATES FOR SALE

READ KATANA ARCHIVE ARTICLE(Episode1-8)

LEARN JAPANESE SWORD TERMINOLOGY

 

 Thank you for reading all the information on the page. If you have any difficulty choosing the right Japanese sword for you, we will be more than happy to help you find the one that speaks to you the most. Please feel free to contact us.

In stock

You may also like…

  • $12,501.63

    DELIVERY TIME: Approx. 1-1.5 months
    *We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.

    SHIPPING TO:
    USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany , Belgium, France, Finland, Hong Kong, Australia
    *Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.

    INCLUDED: NBTHK Hozon Certificate, Koshirae Case (Decorative Sword Mounting), Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Bag, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

    Category Katana (KOTO)
    Age Late Kamakura period (1308-1329)
    Swordsmith Attributed to Norishige (則重: Unsigned)
    Certificate NBTHK Hozon Certificate
    Location Etchu province  (Today’s Toyama prefecture)
    Blade Size Cutting Edge Length: 67.6 cm (26.6 inches)
    Curvature: 2.0 cm (0.78 inches) 

    Thank you for visiting our website. This sword was sold as each antique Japanese sword is one of a kind. However, we might be able to show you something similar because we have various types of swords available. Also, there are ones that aren’t listed on the website yet. Our customer service will help you find your ideal blade you will cherish for generations. Please feel free to contact us or check the list of swords. We will be more than happy to help you.

  • $11,185.67

    DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
    *We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.

    SHIPPING TO :
    USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Belgium, France, Finland, Hong Kong, Australia
    *Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.

    INCLUDED : NTHK Kanteisho Certificate for the blade and Koshirae, Koshirae Case (Decorative Sword Mounting), Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

    Category Katana (KOTO)
    Age Estimated the Meio era (1492-1501: Late Muromachi period)
    Swordsmith Attributed to first-gen Kanemoto (初代兼元: Unsigned)
    Certificate NTHK Kanteisho Certificate for the blade and Koshirae
    Location Mino province (Today’s Gifu prefecture)
    Blade Size Cutting Edge Length: 66.8 cm (26.2 inches)
    Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 inches)

    More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us. 

  • $12,172.64

    DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
    *We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.

    SHIPPING TO :
    USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Belgium, France, Finland, Hong Kong, Australia
    *Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.

    INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Mounting (Decorative Sword Mountings), Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

    Category Katana (SHINTO)
    Age Late Edo period (1751-1764)
    Swordsmith Hizen Ju Kawachi no Kami Fujiwara Masahiro (肥前住河内守藤原正広)
    Certificate NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
    Location Hizen province (Today’s Saga prefecture)
    Blade Size Cutting Edge Length: 67.0 cm (26.3 inches)
    Curvature: 1.3 cm (0.51 inches)

    Thank you for visiting our website. This sword was sold as each antique Japanese sword is one of a kind. However, we might be able to show you something similar because we have various types of swords available. Also, there are ones that aren’t listed on the website yet. Our customer service will help you find your ideal blade you will cherish for generations. Please feel free to contact us or check the list of swords. We will be more than happy to help you.