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Updated: 29 Mar 2024

SOLD

Antique Japanese Sword Daisho attributed to the 5th gen Tadayoshi & Saneyuki
NTHK Kanteisho Certificate

$8,588.34

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

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

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

Category Katana& Wakizashi ( Shinto)
Age Houreki Era (1751-1764)/ Genroku Era (1680-1709)
Swordsmith Attributed to 5th-gen Tadayoshi/ Fujiwara Takada Sanemitsu (Both Unsigned)
Certificate NTHK Kanteisho Certificate×2, 
Location Hizen province (Saga prefecture) / Bungo province (Oita prefecture) 
Blade Size Length: 68.0 cm (26.8 inches)
Curvature: 1.3 cm (0.51 inches)
Length: 51.9 cm( 20.4 inches),
Curvature: 1.5 cm (0.59 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.

SOLD

Antique Japanese Sword Daisho attributed to the 5th gen Tadayoshi & Saneyuki with NTHK Kanteisho Certificate

【Description】

■Katana attributed to 5th gen Tadayoshi

 This blade was attributed to a work of the 5th generation Hizenkoku Tadayoshi (五代肥前国忠吉) during the Houreki era (1751-1764: the mid-Edo period), according to NTHK’s appraisal in this April. Hizenkoku is the name of the province located in Today’s Saga prefecture.

 The 5th-gen Tadayoshi was born as the son of the 4th-gen Tadayoshi in the 9th year of the Genroku era (1696). Being surrounded by skilled swordsmiths from a very early age, he started to be engaged in sword-forging from the first year of the Kyoho era (1716). He first signed as Tadahiro (忠廣) when his father was alive. However, he started to take over his father’s name and sign Tadayoshi after the 4th-gen died in 1747.

 The swordsmith name Tadayoshi lasted nine generations from the Azuchi Momoyama-Edo period (1572-1868). During the Edo period, they served the Nabeshima clan, who ruled the Saga domain where Hizen province was located.

The first gen Tadayoshi school
 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.  5th gen Tadayoshi is one of them.

Hizen Domain
 The swordsmiths in the Hizen province worked under the auspices of the Nabeshima clan such as Yoshikane. They could produce beautiful Jigane-patterned blades, also known as Hizen To, using and mixing carbon steel made in western countries. Hizen Koku had been flourishing by international trading. The geographic location of this domain made it possible to have easy access to western carbon steel.

■Wakizashi

 This blade was attributed to a work of Fujiwara Takada Saneyuki (藤原高田実行) during the Genroku era (1680-1709: the mid-Edo period), according to NTHK’s appraisal this April.

 Takada school was founded by Takada Tomoyuki in Takada village, Ohita prefecture, during the Nanbokucho period. (1334-1338 A.D). Tomoyuki went to Bizen province(today’s Okayama prefecture) to master the sword-forging techniques of BIZEN and came back to the village and trained his apprentices. That is how Takada school started. Those who forged swords in Takada village before the Edo period are called Taira Takada and Fujiwara Takada during the Edo period. This blade is categorized as a Taira Takada sword. The swordsmith name Saneyuki lasted six generations, and it is said that the first-gen Saneyuki was the son of Tomoyuki.

 During Sengoku Period(the warring state period: from late 15 C to late 16 C), the Takada school forged many swords for feudal lords on 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. This highly skilled sword forging technique was passed down to later generations in the Edo period.

 Generally speaking, Kyushu island was prosperous in sword-making because of the long trading history with Asian countries. To gain an advantage in trading, many feudal lords on this island fought against each other. Takada school was able to receive many orders as the demand increased among those lords. The material of Japanese swords(high-quality iron sand and charcoal) was abundant in the 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. We are confident you would like this Daisho Koshirae. And based on the style of the sword mounting, they are categorized as DENCHU KOSHIRAE(Sword mountings for entering a castle), which is very formal style of the mountings. 

 

【 Blade】

-Katana
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)68.0 cm (26.8 inches)
Curvature(Sori) 1.3 cm (0.51 inches)

-Wakizashi
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)51.9 cm( 20.4 inches)
Curvature(Sori)1.5 cm (0.59 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


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.

 Both Fuchi Kashiras are decorated with plant motifs. Kashira parts have the same simple design and have glossy black color. A kind of flower is designed on Katana’s Fuchi. And pine tree is designed on Wakizashi’s Fuchi. Golden paint is applied to these motifs, and this coloring makes ornamental looks of these Fuchi Kashiras.

 Pine trees keep their green color throughout the years by withstanding severe heat and cold; therefore, people have thought this plant pattern represents eternal youth. Furthermore, its color is called the Tokiwa-Iro (常盤色, evergreen trees’ dark green color with brown), and pine trees have another name Tokiwa-Gi (常盤木). Tokiwa means immutability, so the Tokiwa-Iro is a color that praises green with a wish for longevity and prosperity. The pine tree design gives us an elegant and noble impression; it might be another reason people love this motif.


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

 Firstly, please look at Katana’s handle. Seeing through the gaps of the Tsukamaki thread, the dragon coils its body around the sword. This design is called the Kurikara Ken (倶利伽羅剣). It is said the Fudo Myo-O (不動明王, acalanātha) brings this sword. The Fudo Myo-O is a protective god in Buddhism, particularly in Japanese Shingon Buddhism. This god was also known as a god of wars. According to a theory, this sword has the power to punish evils, crush worldly desires, and achieve the effects of religious training.

 Next, if you focus on Wakizashi’s handle, you will find animals that have curly hair. We believe this motif 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 you see in 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 beast motif has been familiar to Japanese people since ancient times.

 Both Menukis are colored with golden paint, and this coloring remains in good condition. It makes an elegant color contrast with the black color of Tsukamaki thread.



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. 

 Oval-shaped Tsubas that have Kozuka and Kougai holes. Both Tsubas have the same design. You would see circle-shaped marks on both sides of these Tsubas. The one is simply a ring pattern. And another one’s motif is a kind of flower. We think these symbols are family crests.
The family crest is one of the unique Japanese cultures that has continued from ancient times to today. It represents one’s lineage, rank, and social standing of a family. According to a theory, during the period that strong clans gained renown, people started using the family name. The name of the land was used as the family name to distinguish the family members who moved to other areas from the others. Therefore, a family crest has a role in showing the family name. After that, court nobles and Samurai families also started using family crests. As you see in these Tsubas, they favorably used family crests for arms such as swords or armor.

 

Saya Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.  

 

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

 A Kogatana (小刀, small knife) is stored in the Kozuka. A dragon is designed, and its body is colored with golden paint. Initially, the dragon was an imaginary creature found in ancient foreign traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbol 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 the Mizuchi (蛟, a mythical animal in Japan that looks like a snake and has 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.

 

Authentication PaperNTHK-NPO Kanteisho Certificate for the blade

 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 blade on April 17th in the 4th year of the Reiwa era (2022). 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 : Nagano 16513-Fukuoka 98037

The Board of Education in Nagano prefecture issued a registration paper for the Katana blade and that in Fukuoka issued one for the Wakizashi. 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 400 Japanese swords for the past three years (~2022) 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 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, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, France, Hong Kong and 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 either EMS or FedEx(Canada). 

 We normally ship by EMS(Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. When we receive an order from the Canada we will use FedEx instead as EMS temporarily stops shipping from Japan to those countries due to COVID-19. 

 We will send you a tracking number for your order as soon as we hand it to the post office/FedEx. 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.

*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be delays in shipping. If you like to know the detail about shipping, please feel free to ask us.

【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

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.

SOLD

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    DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
    *There might be delay in shipment depending on countries

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

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

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    *Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.

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    *We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.

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