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Updated: 19 Feb 2025

SOLD

Antique Japanese Sword Daisho Signed by Kanemoto
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon and Hozon Certificate

$18,430.74

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

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

INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the Katana, NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the Wakizashi, NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate for the Koshirae of the Katana and Wakizashi, Shirasaya Case×2, Koshirae Case×2, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

Category Katana & Wakizashi (KOTO)
Age Late Muromachi period
Swordsmith Kanemoto (兼元)
Certificate NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon & NBTHK Hozon Certificate
Location Mino province  (Today’s Mino prefecture)
Blade Size Cutting Edge Length : 63.9 cm (25.1 inches)
Curvature : 0.9 cm (0.35 inches)
Cutting Edge Length : 45.4 cm (21.5 inches)
Curvature : 1.21 cm (0.47 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 Signed by Kanemoto with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate and Hozon Certificate 

【Description】

Summary

 These blades were signed by Kenemoto (兼元) during the late Muromachi period (Late 15th-Early 16th century). The swordsmith name “Kanemoto” lasted 27th generations from the Muromachi period (early 16th century) to the Heisei period (modern-day). It is said the most skilled Kanemoto of all is the second-gen, also known as Magoroku, who was one of the most famous MINO swordsmiths from the Muromachi period. He forged swords in the Mino province, which is renowned for a particular sword style called MINO-DEN. Each generation was good at creating swords with Sanbon Sugi tempering line (Hamon in Japanese). Sanbon Sugi tempering line resembles a small cedar tree/forest growing horizontally. Highly refined craftsmanship have been passed down for many generations. 

About MINO DEN
 MINO-DEN exceedingly prospered during Sengoku Jidai (Warring States 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. 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 is 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 their practical design and sharpness. Many feudal lords demanded swords forged in the Mino province. This highly skilled sword-forging technique has been passed down for generations. The smith’s name “Kanemoto” was one of the most famous even after the warring state ended.

 

 You can see interesting Kissaki (tip of the blade) called Shobu Zukuri (菖蒲造り) on this Katana blade. There is no Yokote on this blade. Yokote is the borderline between the tip and cutting edge. We are confident you will appreciate the elegant look of this blade.

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 gorgeous. They have such a fancy appearance that we believe a high-ranked Samurai owned them. 

Appraisal

 This Katana blade is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token (特別保存刀剣) and this Wakizashi is 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 blade of this Katana and Wakizashi. You will also find a minor Kitazu on the edge part. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us. 

 

【Blade】

Katana
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)63.9 cm (25.1 inches)
Curvature(Sori) 0.9 cm (0.35 inches)


Wakizashi
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)45.4 cm (21.5 inches)
Curvature(Sori)1.21 cm (0.47 inches)


Katana

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



 

Wakizashi

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



KissakiKissaki is the tip of the Japanese sword.

 

NakagoNakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.

 Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang on purpose to prevent red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, which is a great indicator for a Japanese sword specialist to estimate when the sword was forged.

KoshiraeKoshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya (Scabbard), Tsuka (Handle), Tsuba (Handguard).

 The common motif of this Daisho Koshirae is the Ryu (龍, dragon). Also, the pattern depicting a dragon and clouds, which is called Unryu Zu (雲龍図), is used on these Koshirae as well.

 Initially, the dragon is an imaginary creature found in ancient Chinese traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbolic beast 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 Mizuchi (蛟, mythical animal in Japan which looks like a snake and have 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.

 In ancient China, the dragon pattern was used for emperors’ clothing so that people strictly defined its shape or even the number of nails. On the other hand, the dragon pattern does not have detailed rules to represent classes in Japan. However, still, it maintains its meaning as the all-purpose auspicious pattern.

 Also, in Japan, there is a belief that worships dragon as a water god and is called Ryujin Shinkou (竜神信仰). Since rice cultivation flourished in this country, water is always an essential resource. Therefore, the dragon motif has been familiar to Japanese people since a long time ago. 

 In addition, the surfaces of these sword mountings are mostly 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.

 

Fuchi-KashiraA pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.

 A dragon flying through clouds is depicted on these Fuchi Kashira. The combination of a dragon and clouds (雲, Kumo) is called Unryu Zu (雲竜図). Clouds bring rain and snow, and their movements significantly affect the weather of the day. Due to its supernatural power, a theory says that gods, spirits, and dragons dwell in the clouds. As mentioned in the dragon design, a religion worships the dragon as a water god in Japan. It might be one of the reasons why the combination of dragon and cloud motifs is often seen even in sword mountings.

 The cloud pattern has been associated with magical power, and people thought it an omen of lucky things. In addition, some people wished to obtain a leisurely life in comfort by seeing clouds’ movements (that floats in the sky). Or, as clouds appear repeatedly, its design represents reincarnation. Samurais were always on the verge of life and death on the battlefield. They might have believed in the power of this pattern. And they had incorporated it into the design of their sword mountings, such as Tsuba. 


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

 The main motif of the Katana and Wakizashi’s Menuki is Kiku (菊, chrysanthemum). The chrysanthemum is one of the flowers that symbolize fall, and people have appreciated it very much since ancient times. A long time ago, the chrysanthemum was used as a medicine to obtain a long life in China, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). 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 it is well-known as a noble pattern.

 As for the Katana’s Menuki, there are Akimushi (秋虫, autumn insect), such as a mantis and a cricket, as well. 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. As for crickets or bell crickets, they are called Suzumushi (鈴虫). The word Suzu means a bell. The sounds of insects have deeply connected with people’s feelings since ancient times in Japan. Also, it is said that the culture of enjoying the chirping of insects such as bell crickets used to be a pastime of aristocrats and feudal lords in the Heian period (794-1180). Later, the culture began to spread to the common people in the Edo period (1603-1868). Through hearing the insects sing, people feel a seasonal change.

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. 

 These Tsubas have a shape which is called a Yotsu-Mokkou (四ツ木瓜) shape. It is a circular design with indentations along the edges. In addition, a thin golden plate covers the 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 type of Tsuba had a more ornamental appearance at that time.  

 The front and back sides of each Tsuba has a design of Unryu Zu (雲龍図) like the Fuchi Kashira.

 

SayaSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.  

 These scabbards seem to be made of some kind of wood coated with 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 Nurushi (塗師, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.

Authentication PaperNBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1020515) and NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the Wakizashi (No. 3031664) and NBTHK TOKUBETSU KICHOU Certificate for these Koshirae (No. 1031)

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 and Wakizashi blades on May 31st in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023). They appraised the Katana blade as Tokubetsu Hozon Touken and Wakizashi as Hozon Token, blades worth preserving for Japanese society. Also, they certified these Koshirae on April 15th in the 42nd year of Showa (1967). 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 : Kagawa 6358-6359
 The Board of Education in Kagawa prefecture issued a registration paper for the Katana and Wakizashi swords. 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】
 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

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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.

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