Antique Japanese Sword Daisho attributed to Shigekiyo and Masayoshi with NTHK Kanteisho Certificate
【Description】
Katana
This blade is attributed to Takada Shigekiyo (高田鎮清), who belonged to a prestigious school named Takada (高田) in Bungo province (today’s Oita prefecture). The maker’s name Shigekiyo lasted a few generations. According to the period NTHK will mention in the authentication paper, we believe it is attributed to the second-generation Shigekiyo, also known as Fujiwara Shigekiyo (藤原鎮清). He was active during the Tensho era (1573-1592: Azuchi Momoyama 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 Fujiwara 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 Shigekiyo became an Okakaekaji for Otomo clan. Okakaekaji is a swordsmith who exclusively forged blades for a specific clan or domain.
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.
Wakizashi
This blade is attributed to Sasshu Masayoshi (薩州正良), whose original name was Uehara Jurozaemon. Sasshu is another name of Satsuma province (today’s Kagoshima prefecture). The maker’s name Masayoshi lasted several generations, and this blade is attributed to the second-gen Masayoshi, who was active during the Enkyo era (1744-1748: the mid Edo period), according to NTHK’s appraisal.
The second-gen Masayoshi was born as the son of the first-gen Masayoshi, who was an apprentice of Nanohira Yasuchika (波平安周) and Izu no Kami Masafusa (伊豆守正房). Naminohira was a traditional swordsmith group that resided in the Naminohira region of Satsuma province, and it had prospered since the Middle Ages. Then, during the Tensho era (around the end of the 16th century), Maruta Bingo no Kami Ujifusa (丸田備後守氏房), an apprentice of Wakasa no Kami Ujifusa (若狭守氏房), a representative swordsmith of Mino province (today’s Gifu prefecture), and his son, Izu no Kami Masafusa, established the foundation of the Satsuma Shinto and became renowned swordsmiths. Shinto is Japanese Sword terminology that refers to the swords forged during 1596-1781. The blades made in the Satsuma area during this period are called Satsuma Shinto. And the names Izu no Kami, Bingo no Kami, and Wakasa no Kami are honorable official titles from the imperial court for their excellent craftsmanship.
In the 1st year of the Horeki era (1751), the second-gen Masayoshi was adopted by Ijichi Genzaemon, a Samurai of Satsuma clan, and changed his name to Ijichi Hachiroemon. He lived until around the first year of Anei era (1772). It is said that there are only a few swords forged by him.
The second-gen Masayoshi is also known as the father of Hoki no Kami Taira Ason Masayuki (伯耆守平朝臣正幸), the third-gen Masayoshi. Masayuki was born in the 18th year of the Kyoho era (1733) as the first son of the second-gen Masayoshi. Masayuki first called himself Masayoshi (third-generation Masayoshi) after taking over his father’s school. And in the first year of Kanei (1769), he received Hoki no Kami (伯耆守) as an official title and changed his maker’s name to Masayuki. He passed down the maker’s name, “Masayoshi” name to his first son. Masayuki died at the age of 86 in the first year of 1818. Masayuki was one of the most famous swordsmiths in the Satsuma domain (today’s Kagoshima prefecture) in the late Edo period, apart from Okuyamato no Kami Motohira. It is said that Masayuki was passionate about training his students. There were 60 swordsmiths who learned the sword-forging technique under Masayuki.
Satsuma province had a high ratio of Samurai population compared to other parts of Japan. And they are famous for their military power ruled by Shimazu clan. We assume a swordsmith needed to be very skilled to stay active and popular in this demanding place. Masayuki was one of them.
Masayuki’s father served the Satsuma domain. It was highly likely that Masayoshi also forged swords for this domain, considering his prestigious position.
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): 71.2 cm (28.0 inches)
Curvature(Sori):0.9 cm (0.35 inches)
-Wakizashi
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa):43.4 cm (17.0 inches)
Curvature(Sori):1.4 cm (0.55 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).
These Koshiraes look very luxurious, and all metal fittings, such as Tsuba and Menuki, are made of brass. And all of the sword mountings are decorated with the common motifs: the Aoi-Domoe / Mitsuba-Aoi-no Mon (葵巴/三つ葉葵の紋) and the Karakusa (唐草, arabesque) pattern.
The Aoi-Domoe / Mitsuba-Aoi-no Mon (葵巴/三つ葉葵の紋) comes from the Aoi (葵, Asarum caulescens) pattern in which each stem branches and has characteristic heart-shaped leaves. And it is known as the family crest of Tokugawa Shogunate family led by Tokugawa Ieyasu, a famous military commander of the Warring States period. This plant pattern has also been used for the crest of the Kamo shrine in Kyoto prefecture. As mentioned above, the famous Shogunate family, the Tokugawa family, had their family crest with three leaves of Aoi due to the relationship with the Kamo shrine. As its leaves have a habit of always facing the sun, and the word “Aoi” is taken as “Aogu (仰ぐ, looking up)” for the sun, people thought the Aoi pattern would bring good fortune.
Also, the Karakusa pattern is a design in which stems and leaves of vines are twined and make curves. Since ivy has a strong vitality and grows up without interruption, people regarded this design as a symbol of prosperity and longevity. Vine is called Tsuru (蔓) in Japanese, and it has another pronunciation; “Man.” There is a word 万 (it is also read Man), which means ten thousand. In the Karakusa pattern, leaves and vines are connected like Obi (帯, belt). The word “帯” can also be read “Tai.” Due to its pronunciation, the term “代 (Tai)” is associated. From this word-association game, an idiom 万代 is associated, and it means a thousand generations. In other words, we could imagine that people used this design wishing prosperity and longevity for their clans for a long time.
Fuchi-Kashira:A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.
The Karakusa pattern is designed on these Fuchi Kashieras.
Tsuka and Menuki:Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
Each division, separated by several layers of lines, is decorated with the Mitsuba-Aoi-no Mon and Karakusa pattern. It makes this work look gorgeous and enhances the elegant impression of the entire handle part.
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.
This Tsuba has a Yotsu-Mokkou (四ツ木瓜) shape. This is a circular shape with indentations around the periphery. The entire surface is designed with the Karakusa pattern.
Saya:Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
These scabbards have a same design as the handle part. Using the same design everywhere creates a sense of unity in the overall appearance of these Koshiraes.
Authentication Paper:NTHK-NPO Kanteisho Certificate for Katana, Wakizashi
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 in October in the 6th year of Reiwa (2024). We are expecting to receive these certificates by the end of this November. 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 : Hyogo 86576-86577
The Board of Education in Hyogo prefecture issued a registration paper for the Katana and Wakizashi blade. It is called Jyu Token Rui Torokusho (銃刀剣類登録証). 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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