Antique Japanese Sword Katana signed by Kanesada with NBTHK Hozon Certificate
【Description】
This blade was signed by Kawachi-no-Kami Kanesada (河内守包定) in the 9th year of the Kanbun era (1669: Early Edo period). He was a descendant of Tegai Kanenaga (手掻兼永), the founder of the Tegai School in Yamato Province, an area corresponding to modern-day Nara Prefecture. Kanesada’s real name was Monju Matashirō (文殊又四郎). Kawachi no Kami is an honorable official title given by the imperial court for his excellent craftsmanship. We assume his craftsmanship was highly apprecited by Samurai.
Tegai Kanenaga and the Tegai School
The Tegai School, based near Tōdai-ji Temple (東大寺), one of Japan’s most famous Buddhist temples in Yamato, was known for producing durable and functional swords favored by samurai. The name “Tegai” originated from the Tengai Gate (輾磑門, Tengai-mon), a landmark near the smiths’ workshop. During its peak in the late Kamakura period, the school gained prominence for its exceptional craftsmanship, providing weapons to warriors during an era of intense conflict and political upheaval.
Kanesada later served Tsuchiya Kazunao, the lord of the Tsuchiura Domain in Hitachi Province, now part of modern Ibaraki Prefecture, during the early Edo period. There was also record of him forging blades in Edo city (today’s Tokyo). The Edo period was marked by nearly three centuries of peace and stability under the Tokugawa shogunate, during which the samurai class maintained their status but with less frequent warfare. Kanesada produced various weapons, including tachi (太刀, tachi; curved swords often worn edge-down), chokutō (直刀, chokutō; straight swords resembling earlier Chinese designs), and polearms such as jūmonji-yari (十文字槍, jūmonji-yari; cross-shaped spears) and naginata (薙刀, naginata; long, curved blades mounted on poles). These weapons were praised for their robust construction, meeting the practical needs of both combat and ceremonial use.
Kanesada’s work upheld the traditions of the Tegai School, ensuring its techniques and craftsmanship were preserved well into the Edo period. His dedication to the art of swordsmithing allowed the legacy of Yamato Province’s sword-making to thrive, even as Japan transitioned from the warring states period (Sengoku era, 戦国時代, 1467–1615) to an age of relative peace.
*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu on the the blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
This blade is appraised as a Hozon Touken (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, well preserved and high quality with artistic value.
【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)： 69.6 cm( 27.4 inches)
Curvature(Sori)： 1.7 cm( 0.66 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.
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 (Scabbard), Tsuka (Handle), Tsuba (Handguard).
Fuchi-Kashira：A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.
The surface of this Fuchi Kashira is 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.
Tsuka and Menuki：Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
The motif of this Menuki might be a Japanese wisteria (藤, Fuji). Wisteria has strong fertility and grows being entwined with other trees. Therefore, people regarded this flower as a symbol of longevity and prosperity for future generations. Also, its Japanese name Fuji (藤) is likened to another word Fushi, which is written as “不死,” which means immortality. That is why the Fujiwara (藤原) family, who reached the height of glory in the Heian period (794-1185), used this motif for their family name and family crest. A theory says that more than 100 types of wisteria’s family crest designs in the Edo period. We could assume how this motif was popular among people. Besides, wisterias bloom downward. Its appearance was likened to a scene in which the gods or Buddha is descending to the earth.
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 features an overall design of cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms are one of the iconic symbols of spring and have been cherished in Japan for centuries. This pattern is not only used in sword mountings but is also commonly found in kimonos (traditional Japanese attire) and furnishings. According to one theory, the deity of grain resides in cherry blossoms, which is why this flower motif has been regarded as a symbol of abundant harvests. In ancient times, people would gather under cherry blossom trees to hold rituals praying for a prosperous year, a tradition believed to be the origin of today’s cherry blossom viewing picnics.
Along with the cherry blossoms, the tsuba design seems to resemble a torii gate, though this is speculative. One theory suggests that the origin of the torii lies in trees where birds perch. Birds were considered offerings to the gods, and the torii, meaning “where birds reside,” derived its name from this connection.
Saya： Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
This Saya is decorated with Hirumaki Nuri (蛭巻塗), which is a pattern of spirals applied by lacquering. The word Hirumaki (蛭巻) refers to a series of spirals, derived from its resemblance to the shape of a leech (蛭, Hiru) coiling around it.
Authentication Paper: NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No.378984)
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 January 28th in the 20th year of Heisei (2008). They appraised it as Hozon Touken, the blade 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: Tokyo 256148
The Board of Education in Tokyo a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Hou Token Rui Tourokusho (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, UK, 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.
