Antique Japanese Sword Daisho Attributed to Kaneharu / Signed by Mutsu no Kami Tadayoshi with NBTHK Hozon Certificate and Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
【Description】
–Katana
This blade is attributed to Kaneharu (兼春). The maker’s name Kaneharu lasted from the mid Muromachi – mid Edo period. While the certificate doesn’t mention when it was forged, NBTHK appraises it was made in the late Muromachi period (Early 16th century). We made a phone call to NBTHK to confirm it.
Kaneharu is categorized as a Sue-Seki swordsmith. Sue Seki refers to the sword makers who forged swords from Mino province during the late Muromachi period. About seven swordsmiths used the maker’s name Kanaharu during the Muromachi period (1459-1557). Kaneharu belonged to Sanami school, one of the seven schools in Seki city in Mino province (today’s Gifu prefecture). Those seven schools are known as Seki Kaji Shichi Ryu (関鍛冶七流).
The MINO swordsmiths style, also known as MINO-DEN, basically has the TOGARI (Pointed shapes protruding from the Hamon) in a classic straight line and random temper line with some white Utsuri. MINO-DEN had its origin from YAMATO-DEN in the late Kamakura period (1280-1330). It flourished in the Muromachi period (1333-1573) and continued until the Edo period (1603-1868).
Due to the high demand for weapons, MINO-DEN exceedingly prospered during Sengoku Jidai (Warring State period). And the location of Mino province beat others. Akechi Mitsuhide controlled Mino province, Nobunaga Oda ruled Owari province, and Tokugawa Ieyasu was the lord of Suruga (Neighboring areas). There was high demand from those powerful feudal lords and their retainers. Furthermore, so many wars occurred between the Kanto region and the Kyoto area, and Mino is located in the middle, making feudal lords feel convenient to order swords from MINO-DEN. The blades forged in MINO provinces also had a reputation of their practical design and sharpness. Many feudal lords demanded swords forged in the Mino province.
-Wakizashi
This blade was signed by Hizen Koku (Hizen no Kuni) Mutsu no Kami Tadayoshi (肥前国陸奥守忠吉), also known as the third-gen Tadayoshi. He was especially active during the Manji-Kanbun era (1658-1673: Early Edo period). He was the son of Omi Daijo Tadahiro (近江大掾忠広). The maker’s name, Tadayoshi, lasted nine generations from the early to late Edo period.
He received Mutsu Daijo title in the third year of the Manji era (1660) and got promoted to Mutsu no Kami in the first year of the Kanbun era (1661). Kami and Daisho are honorable official titles given by the imperial court for one’s excellent craftsmanship. There are not many remaining works created by the third-gen Tadayoshi because it is said that he often did a Daisaku for his father, Tadahiro. Daisaku is a regular act where an apprentice or a child of the swordsmith signed his master’s name with his master’s permission or forged a blade on behalf of the master. The third-gen Tadayoshi died at the age of 50.
The third-gen Tadayoshi is also known for forging very sharp swords, which made him and his work classified as Saijo Owazamono Toko (良業物刀工). Wazamono is a classification of Japanese swords and swordsmiths used in Japan to identify historic blades of exceptional quality in the book written by Kaiho Kenjaku (懐宝剣尺) in 1797. He is categorized as a top-tier sword maker in terms of fame and craftsmanship.
The first-gen Tadayoshi (His grandfather)
The first-gen Tadayoshi was born and raised in the Saga domain. In 1596, under the domain’s order, he went to Kyoto to learn the sword-forging technique from Umetada Myojyu (埋忠明寿), one of the greatest swordsmiths in the early Edo period. He improved his craftsmanship and returned to the Saga domain two years later (1598). The first head of the Nabeshima clan, Nabeshima Katsushige, appreciated the work of the first-gen Tadayoshi very much. Then, Katsushige appointed him as his Okakaekaji, a swordsmith who exclusively forged swords for a specific domain or clan. And Tadayoshi started to stay near Saga castle, which is the headquarter of the Nabeshima clan. And, he founded Hizen Tadayoshi school, which trained more than 100 swordsmiths during the Edo period.
Omi Daijo Tadahiro (His father)
Tadahiro took over the school his father ran when he was only 19 years old, and he started to make a sword in the same year. This fact indicates that he was excellent at making swords, and the apprentices of his father (Tadayoshi) supported him to run the school. Tadahiro received the title of Omi Daijyo in 1641 (the sixth year of the Genroku era). He kept forging swords for almost 60 years for the Nabeshima clan, strong feudal lords.
Tadahiro died at the age of 81 in 1693 and left a large number of excellent swords before his decease. He had many famous apprentices, such as the third-gen Mutsu Daijyo Tadayoshi, Harima Daijyo Tadakuni, and Kawachi Daijyo Masahiro.
Hizen Province
The swordsmiths in the Hizen province worked under the auspices of the Nabeshima clan like Tadayoshi. They could produce beautiful Jigane-patterned blades, also known as Hizen To, using and mixing carbon steel made in western countries. Hizenkoku had been flourishing by international trading. The geographic location of this domain made it possible to have easy access to western carbon steel.
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. We are confident you would find this pair of Daisho Koshirae gorgeous.
Appraisal
This Katana blade is appraised as a Hozon Token (保存刀剣) and this Wakizashi is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token (特別保存刀剣). They were issued by NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:日本美術刀剣保存協会). These authentication papers were only given to authentic Japanese swords well preserved and high quality with artistic value.
*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu and black rusts 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)：70.1 cm (27.5 inches)
Curvature(Sori)：2.01 cm (0.79 inches)
-Wakizashi
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)：52.3 cm (20.5 inches)
Curvature(Sori)：1.2 cm (0.47 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
Kissaki：Kissaki is the tip of the Japanese sword.
Nakago：Nakago 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-Kashira：A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.
The bird depicted on this Katana’s Kashira seems to be a heron (鷺, Sagi). The heron, a beautiful water bird, was considered a symbol of noble character and high-ranking bureaucrats because of its appearance of standing unstained in the muddy water of rivers and rice fields. Also, the heron is often depicted in classical Chinese paintings as well since it is an auspicious bird. For example, a painting depicting a heron, a lotus, and a drunken hibiscus represents that one’s future life will be filled with happiness, wealth, and prosperity.
Also, reeds (葦, Ashi) are depicted on this Fuchi Kashira. Reeds are tall, slender grass-like plants that grow near water. Reeds have been used in designs since the Heian period (794-1185). Many birds and fish are attracted to waterside areas where reeds grow. In Japan, watersides where reeds grow are a symbol of vitality.
On the Fuchi side, you would find the running water with a gabion (蛇篭, Jakago) set up in the river. Jagago is a basket made of woven bamboo strips and filled with stones. Gabions were used to control the flow of large rivers that needed to regulate the momentum of the water flow, or to reinforce levees.
The main motif of the Wakizashi’s Fuchi Kashira is Niwatori (鶏: rooster and hen). In ancient times, this bird was used for rituals to offer to gods. It is said this is why the chicken pattern was incorporated into family crests. As this bird tells the arrival of morning, people regard it as the Ake-no Tori (明けの鳥, bird of the dawn). Also, chickens have been treated as auspicious birds because they sing at first in the new year. In another theory, there is a wordplay: Yoikoto-wo “Tori”komu (良いことを取り込む, “take” good things). This Tori (取り) and Tori (鳥, bird) are associated based on the common pronunciation. Some people believe that this bird would bring a plentiful harvest or success in business. This Menuki design might have been chosen due to these ideas.
In addition, the surfaces of these Fuchi Kashiras are decorated with the Nanako-Ji (魚子地) technique. This process makes a uniform minimal protrusions pattern by hitting the Nanako-Ji Tagane (魚子地鏨, a chisel for this technique) on a metal surface. This decorative technique is often seen on sword mountings.
Tsuka and Menuki：Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
Each Menuki has different motifs. For the Katana, the motif of one side 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. In Buddhism, the Karajishi is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, and the Monju Bosatu (文殊菩薩, Manjushri Bodhisattva) rides lions. According to a theory, the Kara-Jishi originates from the Komainu (狛犬, stone guardian dogs that exorcize evil spirits). There is a Houwa (法話, Buddhist monks tell the story of Buddhism in an easy-to-understand manner) that treats the Karajishi and this flower. The lion is called the king of the beasts. However, even this invincible animal has only one fear: a bug in the lion’s body. This pest grows in the lion’s hair and eventually breaks the skin and bites the flesh. Nevertheless, it dies if it is exposed to the night dew of a peony. Therefore, the lion rests under peony flowers at night, looking for a haven. The design of these sword mountings might have been quoted from this story.
The motif of the other side is the Tora (虎, tiger). The tiger is a brave animal. A theory says people considered the tiger pattern would protect people from evil spirits. Therefore, its pattern has been treated as a talisman. The tiger design has also been regarded as the symbol of life activity when “tiger” is written by a Japanese Kanji character (漢字, a kind of Japanese letter) based on its meaning. It is said people wished boys’ healthy growth by using the tiger pattern.
Regarding the Wakizashi, while the motif of Karajishis facing each other is used as a Menuki on one side, we assume a dog (犬, Inu) is depicted on the other side. In the past, it is said that dogs were depicted to symbolize guidance, protection, loyalty, fidelity, faithfulness and so on.
Tsuba and Habaki：Tsuba 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.
These Tsubas depict a wide variety of plants painted gold beautifully and surrounded with a haze (霞, Kasumi), such as Kiku (菊, chrysanthemum), Botan (牡丹, peony), Kikyou (桔梗, Japanese bellflower), and Susuki (芒/薄, Japanese pampas grass) and so on, most of which are related to autumn. In addition, a thin golden plate covers this Tsuba’s Mimi (耳, edge) part. This kind of covering is called the Fukurin (覆輪). It makes a Tsuba look gorgeous and has practicality, such as preventing the wear of the edge part. Also, it prevents the wear and tear of the Kimono if the edge damages it by touching the cloth. We imagine that this Tsuba had a more ornamental appearance at that time.
A long time ago, the chrysanthemum was used as a medicine for obtaining a long life in China, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). Chrysanthemum is one of the flowers which symbolizes fall, and people appreciate it very much since ancient times. As its petals form radially, the chrysanthemum has been likened to the sun. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health. “Kiku no Gomon (菊の御紋)” is a kind of chrysanthemum pattern, and it has been used as the crest of the Emperor and the royal family in Japan so that it is well-known as a noble pattern.
Peony represents happiness, wealth, nobleness, and gorgeousness. This flower pattern has been treated as a kind of good-omen motif; people regarded it as a rich harvest sign. Peony is called “Botan” in Japanese. When we write this flower’s name in Japanese, its second letter means mountain hermit medicine that would give us eternal youth. Based on the meaning of this letter, the peony pattern symbolizes eternal youth and longevity.
Kikyou is a small star-shaped flower. It is said its root has medicinal efficacy. The Kikyou pattern has often been used as a motif of Tanka (短歌, a kind of traditional Japanese poem) and pictures since the Heian period (794-1185). Its name was initially “Kichikou,” and it changed to “Kikyou” with time. It is said this flower was used for fortune-telling in the old days. This action is called Kikkyou-wo Uranau (吉凶を占う) in Japanese. The word Kikkyou (吉凶, good or bad omen) was associated with this flower’s name. “Kichikou” was compared to the word “Kichi Kou (吉更),” which means further good fortune. That is why this flower pattern is treated as a good omen design.
Susuki has been used as an offering to Gods. And some people have used it as an amulet to protect people from evil spirits. Also, in Japan, there is a group of plants that represent the autumn season that is called the Aki-no Nanakusa (秋の七草, the seven flowers of autumn). The Susuki is included in this group, and it shows how long this plant has been familiar to Japanese people.
Regarding the haze pattern, as this geometric shape looks similar to one of the Japanese Katakana (片仮名) character “エ,” this design is called the Egasumi-Mon (ヱ霞文/エ霞文). We hope you will appreciate these works’ simple but elegant design. Same as the cloud pattern, the haze design has been favored as an auspicious motif. The cloud pattern has been associated with magical power, and people thought it an omen of lucky things. Or, since clouds appear repeatedly, its design represents reincarnation.
Kozuka：Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).
The motif of this Kozuka is the combination of bats (蝙蝠, Koumori) and the moon (月: Tsuki). According to a theory, the continent largely influenced the introduction of bats as a pattern. This animal is a symbol of happiness and longevity. In the continent, it was popular as an auspicious pattern that brings good luck because its Japanese name letter “蝠” and another word “福 (happiness)” have the same sound. The design depicting five bats is called the Gofuku (五福) and symbolizes longevity, wealth, health, descendants, and prosperity.
The sun and the moon have been treated as objects of worship since ancient times. Some people considered them the symbol of authority. The moon pattern has various shapes depending on the waxing and waning of the moon: full moon, half-moon, crescent, or hazy moon. There is also the idea: as the moon changes its shape depending on its fullness, it represents growth and development. Moreover, the moon is a classic design that symbolizes autumn: the combination of a moon with rabbits, deer, autumn grass, waves, etcetera.
Saya： Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
Scattered cherry blossoms (桜, Sakura) are beautifully depicted throughout these scabbards. Cherry blossom is one of the seasonal things of spring, and it has been loved for a long time in Japan. Its pattern is designed not only for sword mountings but also for Kimono (着物, traditional Japanese costume) or furnishings. One theory says that the god of grain exists in cherry blossoms. Therefore, this flower pattern has been treated as the symbol of a plentiful harvest. People held a traditional custom under cherry blossom trees to pray for a bumper year in ancient times. It is said this is the origin of the cherry blossom viewing picnic today.
Also, birds and peonies are symbolically outlined in gold. These birds are the Houou (鳳凰, Fenghuang). The gorgeous combination of Houou and peopny has been favored as an auspicious pattern. Houou is a member of four fantasy animals, which is called “Shirei (四霊)” with Kirin (麒麟: Qilin), Kame (亀: Turtle), and Ryu (龍: Dragon), and it is a god beast looks like a combination of chicken and peacock. Houou was considered an auspicious sign in ancient China, and it was believed that Houou would show up when the brilliant emperor appeared. Therefore, since it is said to appear at the time of good luck, it has the power to make wishes come true and lead people in a good direction, such as happiness and prosperity. People also appreciate its graceful shape in Japan.
In addition, a bat (蝙蝠, Koumori) is depicted with the moon (月, Tsuki) on the Wakizashi’s Saya.
*Please keep in mind that there are traces of restoration on the Saya for the Katana and some damages due to aging.
*Please note that this Katana’s scabbard has some cracks near the end part.
Authentication Paper：NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the Katana (No. 3033530) ＆ Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate Wakizashi blade (No. 1021938)
NBTHK, also known as Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai (the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), is one of the oldest Japanese sword appraising organizations in modern-day Japan. They authenticated these two blades on December 15th in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023). They appraised Katana as a Hozon Touken and Wakizashi as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token, the blade worth preserving for Japanese society. 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 : Tokyo 237841-237881
The Board of Education in Tokyo issued a registration paper for this Katana blade and Wakizashi blade. It is called Jyu Hou Token Rui Torokusho (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.
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【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 700 Japanese swords for the past few years (～2024) 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】
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【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.
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