Antique Japanese Sword Daisho Signed by Hosokawa Masayoshi with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blades and Koshirae
【Description】
These two blades were signed by Hosokawa Masayoshi (細川正義), who is one of the most famous swordsmiths at the end of the Edo period. While this Katana was forged in the 5th year of the Bunsei era (1822), this Wakizashi was forged in the 12th year of the Tenpo era (1841). He signed Sakuyo Bakkashi Minamoto Masayoshi (作陽幕下士源正義) for this Katana, and Sakuyo Bakkashi Hosokawa Masayoshi (作陽幕下士細川正義) for this Wakizashi. Sakuyo Bakkashi means the retainer of the Tsuyama clan of Mimasaka. Sakuyo is another name of Mimasaka no Kuni (today’s Okayama prefecture), and Mimasaka is the region which was originally included in Bizen province and then split off. It means he resided in this area when forging blades.
Masayoshi was born in 1786 in Kanuma, located in today’s Tochigi prefecture, as the son of Hosokawa Ryosuke Masayoshi. At first, Masayoshi used the different character for Yoshi, and he forged blades for the Toda family, who was the feudal load of Utsunomiya, also located in today’s Tochigi prefecture. Later, Masayoshi learned sword-forging techniques under the master, Suishinshi Masahide (水心子正秀), one of the most famous swordsmiths in Samurai history. Then, he took over his father’s name as the second-gen Hosokawa Masayoshi, and became an Okakae Kaji for Matsudaira clan of Tsuyama Domain, which ruled Mimasaka no Kuni (today’s Okayama prefecture). Masayoshi moved to a mansion owned by Tsuyama Domain, forging blades for them. Okakaekaji is a swordsmith who exclusively forged blades for a specific clan or domain. Masayoshi often signed Sakuyo Bakkashi, the retainer of the Tsuyama clan of Mimasaka, on his blades, but it is said that he mostly created blades residing in the Edo city for the Matsudaira family, as seen in the phrase “於東都” inscribed on the tang of this Wakizashi, which means he forged this blade in today’s Kanto region (around Tokyo). He died in 1858 at the age of 73.
Masayoshi was an extremely skilled swordsmith who was excellent at forging blades with the characteristic of the Bizen sword-forging style (BIZEN DEN) and the Soshu sword-forging style (SOSHUDEN), though he favored copying the Osaka Shinto style in his early years.
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 pair of Daisho Koshirae.
Appraisal
This Katana/Wakizashi blade are 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, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.
*Please keep in mind that there is small Kitae Kizu on groove of the Katana blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
-Katana
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa):69.6 cm (27.4 inches)
Curvature(Sori):2.12 cm (0.83 inches)
-Wakizashi
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa):46.3 cm (18.2 inches)
Curvature(Sori):1.27 cm (0.50 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.
You would find the figures of Kiji (雉, pheasant) and cherry blossoms (桜, Sakura) on the Fuchi Kashira of this Katana, and the deer (鹿, Shika) and maples (紅葉, Momiji) on the one of this Wakizashi.
Since ancient times, pheasant has often appeared in Waka (和歌, Japanese poetry) poems that think about families, so it is said that pheasants symbolize family love and marital love. Pheasant was designated as the national bird of Japan in 1947. A beautiful bird endemic to Japan, it is familiar in folk tales and nursery rhymes. Its male is considered the symbol of bravery, and the female symbolizes maternal love.
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.
As for the motif of the Fuchi Kashira of the Wakizashi, people once thought deers were gods’ vehicles and this animal is considered to represent longevity. The maple motif also represents longevity. Maple leaves change their colors from green to yellow, orange, or red. The fall foliage is one of the charms of autumn. Due to this behavior of the color, this design represents someone who knows how to get along in the world and be happy.
Tsuka and Menuki:Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
We think the Menuki of this Katana is Wakamatsu (若松, young pine). Young pine trees have new buds on the tips of their pine needles, which is painted gold on this Menuki. And, the Wakamatsu design has been used to celebrate the New Year. Also, as pine trees keep their green color throughout the years by withstanding severe heat and cold, people thought this plant pattern represents eternal youth. Furthermore, its color is called 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 Tokiwa-Iro is a color that praises green with a wish for longevity and prosperity. It is said this color was appreciated, especially in the Edo period, as a good-luck color. The pine tree design gives us an elegant and noble impression; it might be another reason that people love this motif.
Also, for the Wakizashi’s Menuki, we also assume mandarin ducks (鴛鴦, Oshidori) are depicted. It is said that mandarin ducks are the auspicious symbol of eternal love, happy marriage. In addition, male of mandarin ducks have bright red colors, so people appreciate their catchy appearance. This bird pattern has been used for sword mountings and Kimono (traditional Japanese costume) or furniture.
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.
Each Tsuba is engraved with openwork. The motif seems to be a fan (扇, Ougi).
This motif has been favored as an auspicious pattern representing development and prosperity. During the Heian period (794-1185/1192), aristocrats enjoyed elegant plays with fans, and they appreciated the fan itself as a noble item. A fan has a characteristic shape, and it is called Suehirogari (末広がり) in Japanese. Based on the idea that this shape implies a perspective of the future, people appreciate this design. The fan pattern also represents wealth because it was once available only for high-ranked people. In addition, people enjoy drawing various motifs such as animals, plants, geometric patterns, and auspicious patterns on the fan surface. That might also be why the fan motif is popular.
Kozuka:Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).
The Kozuka, attached to the Wakizashi, is decorated with autumn-related motifs such as Akimushis (秋虫, autumn insect) and Akikusas (秋草, autumn plant). Akimushi means various types of insects, such as mantises and crickets. A mantis is also called the Ogami-Mushi (拝み虫) or Inori-Mushi (祈り虫) in Japanese. Both of these names mean a praying insect. Mantises hold their arms together, and their long wings cover their lower bodies. As this posture looks like a priest who prays to God, a mantis is likened to a “praying mantis.” A mantis is also said to symbolize the prosperity of descendants because it is prolific and has many children. This insect motif might have been incorporated into designs for sword mountings because of these religious or auspicious meanings.
Saya: Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
The surface of these Saya is decorated with the Ishime-Ji (石目地). Its base was hit by Tagane (鏨, chisel for metalworking), and it makes a rough surface that seems stone.
Authentication Paper:NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the Katana and Wakizashi and Koshirae (No.1022757, No.1022754, No 229011)
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 May 31st in the 6th year of Reiwa (2024) and Koshirae on October 30th in the 21th year of the Heisei era (2009). They appraised both blades and Koshirae as a Tokubetsu Hozon Touken/Tosogu, the blade/sword mounting especially 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 54858-54859
The Board of Education in Tokyo prefecture issued a registration paper for this Katana and Wakizashi blades. 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】
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.