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Updated: 12 Oct 2024

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Izumi no Kami Fujiwara Nobuie
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate

$10,797.46

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, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Mounting, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

Category Katana (SHINTO)
Age Meireki era (1655-1658: the early Edo period)
Swordsmith Izumi no Kami Fujiwara Nobuie (和泉守藤原信屋)
Certificate NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
Location Owari province (Today’s Aichi prefecture)
Blade Size Cutting Edge Length: 69.7 cm (27.4 inches)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 inches)

More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us. 

In stock

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Izumi no Kami Fujiwara Nobuie with Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate 

【Description】

 This blade was signed by Izumi no Kami Fujiwara Nobuie (和泉守藤原信屋), who was active during the early Edo period (the mid 17th century) in Owari province (today’s Aichi prefecture). According to its certificate, this blade was forged around the the Meireki era (1655-1658: the early Edo period). Nobuie signed 信家 on his blades at first. When he received Izumi no Kami, an honorable official title from the imperial court, for his excellent craftsmanship, he changed the character of his name from 信家 (Nobuie) to 信屋 (Nobuie).  Also, it is said that he changed his name again later from 信屋 to 信広 (Nobuhiro). 

 Nobuie learned the sword-forging techniques from his master the second-gen Hoki no Kami Nobutaka (伯耆守信高), who was a renowned swordsmith in Owari province. The swordsmith’s name “Nobutaka” lasted 6th generation during the Edo period. Hoki no Kami was an honorable title given to this swordsmith, and the 1st-5th generation received this title. It is said that Nobutaka was a descendant of Kanekuni, who belonged to Mino koku San-Ami school. The first-gen Nobutaka was originally from Mino province, which is famous for Japanese sword tradition, MINO-DEN. The first-gen moved to Owari Castle at the beginning of the Keicho era (the late 1590s). And he relocated to Nagoya after Nagoya castle was built. There were many swordsmiths from Mino province who moved to Owari province. They are called Owari Seki. The most famous swordsmiths categorized as Owari Seki are the first-gen Hoki no Kami Nobutaka, Hida no Kami Ujifusa, and Sagami no Kami Masatsune. All the highly refined sword-forging techniques the first-gen Nobutaka had passed down to the second-gen. 

 As Owari province was active in martial arts during the early Edo period, there was much demand among high-class Samurai to order swords forged by the second-gen Nobutaka. He often worked with his son (the third-gen Nobutaka), and there is some remaining work where both signatures are found.

 Nobuie also became a renowned swordsmith in Owari province, continuing to forge blades under Nagoya Castle. Although his remaining works are said to be few, his blades are highly recognized as masterpieces. 

 

 

 It is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token (特別保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:日本美術刀剣保存協会). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.

 

【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)69.7 cm (27.4 inches)
Curvature(Sori)1.2 cm (0.47 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



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 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.

 

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

 

 

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

 Some insects and plants are depicted on this Fuchi Kashira. They are autumn-related motifs, Akimushi (秋虫, autumn insect) and Akikusa (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. 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.

 One of the flowers is Kiku (菊, chrysanthemum). A long time ago, the chrysanthemum was used as a medicine for obtaining a long life in the continent, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). The chrysanthemum symbolizes fall, and people have greatly appreciated it since ancient times. Since its petals form radially, a 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.

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

 We estimate Kirin (麒麟, Qilin) is the motif of the Menuki.  

 The Kirin is called the Shirei (四霊), with Houou (鳳凰, Fenghuang), Kame (亀, Turtle), and Ryu (龍, Dragon). And it is a mythical beast that has the body of deer, the head of wolf, the tail of cow, the legs of horse, and a horn, not resembling the actual giraffe, which is also called Kirin in Japanese. The Kirin was regarded as an auspicious sign. Also, in the ancient continent, it is believed that the Kirin would show up when the brilliant emperor appeared, and the excellent boys were also called the Kirinji, a Qilin child.

 The Tsuka is also designed with small flowers similar to Kiku (菊, chrysanthemum), which is the same motif used in the Fuchi Kashira. 

 

   

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. 

 The motif of this Tsuba is Tonbo (蜻蛉, dragonfly) and Awa (粟, millet).

 Dragonflies have been inhabited in Japan for a long time. As this insect bag preys quickly, its heroic figure was sometimes the object of belief. During the Warring States period, the dragonfly was called the Kachimushi (勝ち虫, winning insect) because of its fearless character. Dragonflies fly around fast to catch pests, moving only forward, not backward. Therefore, people thought the behaviors of this insect showed the spirit of Futaiten (不退転); it is a state of mind or a state in which a person has some conviction and does not give in to difficulties. It is very persuasive that Samurai warriors cherished this design as an auspicious motif because of the spirit that Samurai should be prepared for the battlefields. Not only for sword mountings, dragonfly patterns were also incorporated into various items such as helmets, armor, battle coats, etcetera.

 The millet has been regarded as one of the autumn symbols in Japan since autumn is the season of harvest. The millet is the oldest grain, which has been cultivated since the Jomon period (between c. 14,000 and 300 BC) and is believed to have been a staple food before the introduction of rice in Japan. Also, it is said that, since ancient times, millet has been considered to represent prosperity and fertility. 

 

 

SayaSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.  

 The dragonfly and some plants are designed on this Saya. Since the dragonfly is often depicted with autumn related motifs, the plants might also be autumn plants. People have found Autumn plants tasteful since the ancient times, and these plants are considered a pattern of Japanese sentiment that evokes the sadness of the passing time and the impermanence of life.

 Also, on the Kojiri, the head of the Saya, you will find a heart mark-shaped hole is engraved. It is called the Inome (猪の目) pattern. The Inome pattern has been used since ancient times. As its name implies, the boar’s eyes are the origin of this pattern. Some people believed the Inome design would work as an amulet to protect them from evil spirits or fire. Also, it is said it would bring good luck.

Authentication PaperNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1021751)

  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 blade on Dec 15th in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Hozon Touken, the blade especially worth preserving for Japanese society. The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file for your record if you request.

Registration Number : Mie 12531

 The Board of Education in Mie prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword. 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.

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