on the right corner of the photo.Antique Japanese Sword Daisho Attributed to Shigeseki / Attributed to Daido with NBTHK Hozon Certificates
【Description】
–Katana
This blade is attributed to Shiga Seki. Shiga Seki were a group of swordsmiths, originally from Mino province(Shiga prefecture) but moved to Shiga city in Owari province (today’s Nagoya) during the mid-Muromachi period. And they prospered until the late Muromachi period. Based on the appraisal of NBTHK, we believe this blade was forged about 500 years ago (the Mid-Late Muromachi period). Their style are very close to Mino style swords called MINO-DEN.
-Wakizashi
This blade is attributed to Daido (大道), who was active during the late Muromachi period in Mino province (today’s Gifu prefecture). While the certificate doesn’t mention its age, we made a phone call to NBTHK and confirmed that they estimated the age of this blade around the late Muromachi period. A few swordsmiths used Daido as their maker’s name during the late Muromachi-Edo period. Among Daido, the most famous Daido is Mutsu No Kami Daido (陸奥守大道). He signed as Kanemichi, forging swords in Mino province(Gifu prefecture), and moved to Kyoto in 1569. And he received the name 大(Dai) from the emperor Ogimachi for his excellent swordsmanship. And he changed his name to Dai-Kanemichi.
Mino Province
Mino Province is one of the most famous and historical sword-forging sites. There were so many schools forging blades during the Samurai period. The swordsmiths who resided in Mino province developed particular sword-forging tradition called MINO-DEN. Its characteristic is 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).
MINO-DEN especially prospered during Sengoku Jidai(Warring State period) due to the high demand for weapons. And the location of Mino province beat others. Akechi Mitsuhide controlled Mino province, and 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. Mino was located in the middle, making feudal lords feel convenient to order swords from MINO-DEN. The blades forged in MINO provinces also had the reputation of its practical design and sharpness. Many feudal lords demanded swords forged in the Mino province.
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
These Katana and Wakizashi blades are appraised as a Hozon Token (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 on the Katana and Wakizashi. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
–Katana
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)：65.8 cm (25.9 inches)
Curvature(Sori)：1.8 cm (0.70 inches)
-Wakizashi
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)：37.6 cm (14.8 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
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 theme of these Fuchi-Kashira is the hatō-zu motif (波濤図), a traditional Japanese design depicting turbulent ocean waves.
The wave motif symbolizes the dynamic and ever-changing power of nature, as well as resilience, strength, and the ability to overcome adversity. Such patterns were favored in sword fittings because the movement of water was seen as a metaphor for a Samurai’s unyielding spirit and determination.
Tsuka and Menuki：Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
The theme of this katana’s menuki is horsetail (土筆, tsukushi). This plant endures the harshness of winter and sends up new shoots in spring, making it a well-known seasonal symbol of the season. Possessing remarkable vitality, it continues to grow even after being cut. Tsukushi has also long been enjoyed in Japan as a wild edible plant. Historically, it is said that during the Edo period there were vendors known as Tsukushi-uri (土筆売り), who sold horsetail in the spring. The plant also appears in various haiku (俳句), where it is used to evoke the atmosphere of the season. As such, this motif conveys a vivid sense of the arrival of spring.
As for the wakizashi’s menuki, it likely depicts a loquat (枇杷, biwa). Since ancient times, all parts of the loquat—its leaves, fruit, and seeds—have been used for medicinal purposes, and it has therefore been associated with beliefs in its healing properties. In decorative art, it is often represented as a branch bearing abundant fruit, as seen in this design. The image of golden fruits hanging in clusters symbolizes prosperity and abundance, while its medicinal associations convey wishes for longevity and good health. For these reasons, the loquat motif has long been regarded as an auspicious design, widely used in textiles such as kimono and obi, as well as in ceramics.
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.
The tsuba of both the katana and wakizashi are estimated to depict susuki (薄／芒, Japanese pampas grass). This plant has traditionally been offered to the gods and was also believed to serve as an amulet to ward off evil spirits.
In Japan, susuki is one of the Aki no Nanakusa (秋の七草, “Seven Flowers of Autumn”), a group of plants that symbolize the autumn season. Its inclusion in this group reflects how deeply familiar and culturally significant this plant has been to the Japanese people for centuries.
Kozuka: Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).
The motif on the Wakizashi’s fuchi-kashira is believed to depict ominaeshi (Patrinia scabiosaefolia), one of the Aki-no Nanakusa (秋の七草), or the Seven Flowers of Autumn. These seven traditional autumn plants include: bush clover (hagi), pampas grass (susuki), arrowroot (kuzu), dianthus (nadeshiko), ominaeshi, boneset (fujibakama), and bellflower (kikyo).
These plants are often depicted growing in close proximity, evoking an atmospheric and melancholic beauty. At the same time, they symbolize the transience of life and the poetic sadness of passing time—an aesthetic deeply rooted in classical Japanese culture.
The term Aki-no Nanakusa was coined by the poet Yamanoue no Okura (山上憶良), whose works appear in the Manyōshū (万葉集), the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry, compiled in the 8th century. His poems gave rise to the cultural recognition of these seven plants as emblematic of the autumn season in Japan.
In addition, the design also features a pair of quails (鶉, uzura), a classic motif in waka and haiku poetry that evokes the seasonal atmosphere of autumn.
Saya： Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
The Saya of this Katana and Wakizashi are called Kizamizaya (刻み鞘). Also it is covered with black lacquer. 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 Nushi (塗師, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.
*These scabbard shows some light signs of wear. Please refer to the photos for further details.
Authentication Paper：NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the Katana (No. 3035301) & Wakizashi blade (No. 3035302)
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 the Katana & Wakizashi on December 4th in the 6th year of Reiwa (2024). They appraised them as a Hozon Touken, 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 : Tochigi 3554-3556
The Board of Education in Tochigi prefecture 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 1300 Japanese swords for the past few years (～2026) 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.
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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.
