on the right corner of the photo.Antique Japanese Sword Daisho Signed by Sadatoshi / Attributed to Fuyuhiro with NBTHK Kicho Certificate for the blades and Tokubetski Kicho for the Koshirae
【Description】
–Katana
【Description】
This katana was signed “Hizen Koku Jū Sadatoshi” (肥前国住貞利). Sadatoshi was a swordsmith active in Hizen Province (present-day Saga Prefecture) during the Edo period.
Swordsmiths using the name Sadatoshi are recorded within the Hizen tradition, which developed under the patronage of the Nabeshima domain. This tradition emerged in the early seventeenth century and was strongly influenced by the techniques introduced by the master swordsmith Hizen no Kuni Tadayoshi. Many later smiths working in Hizen adopted signatures beginning with “Hizen Koku Jū”, indicating their residence and affiliation with this regional school.
Sadatoshi is generally regarded as one of the later generations of swordsmiths working within the Hizen Tadayoshi school, and swords bearing this signature are associated with Edo-period production centered in Hizen Province.
-Wakizashi
This blade is attributed to Fuyuhiro (冬廣), a swordsmith active during the late Muromachi period (late 15th – early 16th century). The first-generation Fuyuhiro is said to have been the son of Sōshū Hirotsugu (2nd generation), a well-known swordsmith of the Sōshū region (today’s Kanagawa Prefecture).
On the reverse side of the tang (nakago), the inscription “Tesshūshi” (鐵収子) can be seen. This indicates that the blade was once suriage (磨上げ, shortened), during which the original signature was removed. At a later time, another swordsmith re-inscribed the attribution, identifying the blade as the work of Fuyuhiro. The Kiwame (attribution) on this blade is believed to have been made by Kobayashi Masaoki (小林正興), a swordsmith active during the end of the Edo period.
After the first-generation Fuyuhiro learned the sword-forging techniques and traditions from his master, he is believed to have moved to Wakasa Province (present-day Fukui Prefecture) around the mid-Muromachi period (approximately 1460). Initially, he focused on forging swords in the Sōshū-den style, one of the five major traditional schools of Japanese swordmaking (Gokaden). Over time, however, his work began to incorporate elements of the Bizen tradition, another of the five classical schools.
Historical records indicate that the swordsmith name Fuyuhiro continued through approximately seventeen generations, from the Muromachi period (around 1460) until the end of the Edo period (1868). During the Sengoku period, when the demand for weapons increased dramatically, swords by the Fuyuhiro lineage were forged for high-ranking samurai and feudal lords. Records from the Edo period also mention swordsmiths using the name Fuyuhiro working in various provinces including Bizen, Bingo, Izumo, and Hōki.
Soshu Den
Swordsmiths residing in Soshu province (Today’s Kanagawa prefecture) used a particular sword-forging tradition called Soshu Den. Shoshu Den was born in the middle of the Kamakura period (mid 13th century). Back then, the Yamato and Yamashiro traditions were highly developed, and there were a few renowned swordsmiths from those regions. However, the sword-forging practice was in its infancy in the Kanto area, where the Soshu region was located.
At the beginning of the Kamakura government, which was established in 1185, the first Shogun, Minamoto Yoritomo, prioritized making a lot of rules to have its political stability. And he couldn’t afford to hire swordsmiths within the same region or train them. Therefore, the Kamakura government originally ordered weapons to the swordsmiths in the other areas, such as Yamato and Yamashiro.
But, since the government was established, the demand for weapons increased exponentially in the government, and they had to figure out how to meet those demands from Samurai who served Kamakura shogunate. Then, the 5th head of the Shogun, Hojo Tokiyori, invited two renowned swordsmiths from other parts of Japan. They were Awataguchi Kunitsuna from Yamashiro province and Bizen Saburo Kunimune from Bizen province. And the 7th-gen Shogun Koreyasu Shino also invited Fukuoka Ichimonji Sukezane from Bizen province.
It is said that those three swordsmiths played an essential role in creating the Soshu Den and making the foundation of the Soshu Den. Also another famous figure in the Soshu den is Intou Kunimitsu, an adopted son of Awataguchi Knitsuna. And Kunimitsu passed his excellent craftsmanship to Yukimitsu, his apprentice. And Masamune, one of the most famous swordsmiths in Japanese history, was an apprentice of Yukimitsu. And Masamune was the one that brought Shoshuden to nationwide fame. The tradition Masamune completed became an example of other swordsmiths who learned Soshu Den. Also, Soshu Den influenced many renowned swordsmiths during the Koto- Shinto era. One of examples is Inoue Shinkai from Osaka and Suishinshi Masahide from Edo.
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.
*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu and black rusts 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)：69.3 cm (27.28 inches)
Curvature(Sori)： 1.8 cm (0.71 inches)
-Wakizashi
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)：51.1 cm (20.1inches)
Curvature(Sori)：1.1 cm (o.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.
We believe that the motif of the Fuchikashira is 秋草 (Akikusa, autumn plants). These plants are native to Japan, and during the autumn season, you can often see them swaying together in the wind. This scene has long been associated with the sadness of passing time and the impermanence of life, which is why these autumn plants are commonly used in designs that express such themes in Japanese culture.
Tsuka and Menuki：Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
The motif of the Menuki of the Katana and the Wakizashi appears to be Chrysanthemum (菊, Kiku). 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). The chrysanthemum is one of the flowers that symbolize fall, and people have appreciated it very much since ancient times. 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.
From the Kamakura (1185-1333) period to the Warring States period (1467-1615), the chrysanthemum crest was given as a reward from the Emperor back then to the warlords who made significant contributions. For example, Ashikaga Takauji (1305-1358), who became the first Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, cooperated with Emperor Go-Daigo (後醍醐天皇, 1288-1339) to dissolve the Kamakura Shogunate. And Takauji was given a chrysanthemum crest.
In addition, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598) was also given a chrysanthemum crest by Emperor Goyouzei. A theory says Hideyoshi was delighted and used this motif for furniture. At that time, the Emperor was regarded as God. Therefore, it was an irreplaceable honor for Samurais to receive the family crest from the Emperor. This is how the chrysanthemum pattern has a deep connection with Samurai culture.
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 is round in shape, and its entire surface is decorated with a Tsuchime pattern (槌目), a hammered texture created by repeatedly striking the metal with a hammer to leave small, irregular marks. In the center, there is also an openwork design shaped like a plum blossom. In addition, the rim is finished with a gold fukurin, or metal rim cover, which creates a beautiful contrast with the dark color of the iron base.
Kozuka: Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).
The motif of the Kozuka of the Wakizashi is a hawk (鷹, Taka) and a pine tree (松, Matsu).
Hawk is an intelligent bird used for hunting, called falconry. It was famous as a recreation among high-class Samurais. In the old days, it was also familiar with emperors and royal families, so it might be why the hawk was regarded as a symbol of the ruler’s authority. During the warring period, the boy’s success was to become an excellent Samurai; therefore, it has been thought that men (Samurai) and the hawk had a deep connection as a symbol of advancement and authority. Many Samurais loved this design based on that reason.
Furthermore, its wings were used for one of Samurai’s primary weapons; an arrow (They put hawk’s wings as arrow’s feather). The arrow itself is reminiscent of victory or defeat, battlefield; it is not difficult to imagine that Samurais also liked the hawk wings attracted to arrows. Still today, various family crests use this bird wing’s motif.
Kougai：Kougai is the equipment for Samurai to arrange or fix his hair style.
This item is an antique Kougai (笄), which was used to arrange or fix the hairstyle of Samurai. The Kougai is usually stored in the Kougai Hitsu. The Kozuka (小柄) is often stored at the other side of the scabbard.
The motif of the Kougai of the Wakizashi is a sparrow (雀, Suzume) and a bamboo (竹, Take). “Sparrow and Bamboo” is an auspicious motif in Japanese art, combining bamboo, which symbolizes strength and resilience, with the sparrow, a bird associated with prosperity, abundant harvests, and domestic well-being. This design is particularly famous as a family crest of the Date and Uesugi clans. The contrast between the stillness of the bamboo and the lively movement of the sparrow has long been appreciated as an elegant subject in Japanese paintings and hanging scrolls.
Saya： Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
The Saya 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 Nurushi (塗師, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.
Authentication Paper：NBTHK Kicho Certificate for the Katana (No. 88024) and Wakizashi (No. 88023) ＆ Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate for the Koshirae (No. 160)
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 September 13th in the 39th year of Showa (1964). They appraised Katana and Wakizashi as a Kicho Touken & Koshirae as a Tokubetsu Kicho Token, 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.
Note: The koshirae’s certificate covers the scabbard (saya), fuchi-kashira, menuki, and tsuba only. The kozuka and kogai are not included. That means the Kozuka and Kougai were added after NBTHK appraised the Koshirae as a Tokubetsu Kicho Kodogu.
Registration Number : Kagawa 10269-10271
The Board of Education in Kagawa 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 1000 Japanese swords for the past few years (～2025) 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.
