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Updated: 2 Dec 2024

SOLD

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Nanki Jyu (Shigekuni)
NTHK Kanteisho Certificate

$5,338.10

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

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

INCLUDED : NTHK Kanteisho Certificate, Koshirae Mounting, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

Category Katana( SHIN SHIN TO)
Age 1804-1818: The end of the Edo period
Swordsmith Nanki Jyu (Shigekuni)
Certificate NTHK Kanteisho Certificate
Location  Kishu Domain (Today’s Wakayama prefecture)
Blade Size Cutting Edge Length: 71.5 cm (28.1inches)
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 Katana Signed by Nankiju (Shigekuni) with NTHK Kanteisho Certificate 

【Description】

Summary

 This blade was attributed to Nanki Shigekuni in the Bunka era (1804-1818: The end of the Edo period), according to its NTHK appraisal. While the maker’s name, “Shigekuni,” part was cut due to Suriage (size adjustment), NTHK concluded that it was made by him. 

 Nanki is the name of the province located in today’s Wakayama prefecture. Naki Jyu means living in this province. It is often the case with swordsmiths that they engraved where they lived when they forged blades. The maker’s name Shigekuni lasted 11th generations. Based on their active period, we assume the appraisal was given to the 9th gen Shigekuni. 

 Their active period was from the early Edo period(1615-) to the late Edo period(-1868). Shigekuni served the Kishu Tokugawa clan in the Kishu region(Wakayama), a direct lineage from the Tokugawa clan, who ruled the Edo government. Kishu Tokugawa clan is known as GOSANKE, which is eligible to take over Shogun’s position. Shogun was the supreme head of the military government ruled by Samurai warriors in Japan’s medieval times. 

 The first gen Shigekuni is called Nanki Shigekuni and is known as one of the greatest swordsmiths in the SHINTO era(the swords created during 1596 A.D.-1763 A.D.). It is said that the second-gen Shigekuni forged swords for Tokugawa Yoriyoshi, the 10th son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the feudal lord of the Kishu region. 

Horimono (Engraving) 

 This blade has a Horimono (彫り物, blade sculpture) of a Sanskrit letter. This letter represents the Fudo Myo-O (不動明王, acalanātha). Fudo Myo-O is one of the objects of worship in Buddhism. According to a theory, it is the incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai (大日如来, Mahāvairocana, the principal image of esoteric Buddhism). The Fudo Myo-O and the Kurikaraken (倶利伽羅剣, Fudo Myo-O’s sword) are popular designs.

 

【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa) 71.5 cm (28.1inches)
Curvature(Sori) 1.21 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


 

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.

 

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

 This Fuchi Kashira is decorated with different types of plant motifs. On the Fuchi part, you would find a single flower with long narrow leaves. In Japan, several flowers have similar appearances. We think the plant motif that was designed here is, the Kakitsubata (燕子花, rabbit-ear iris) or Shoubu (菖蒲, iris flower).

 Kakitsubatas color the waterside during their short flowering time; Japanese people have loved this elegant appearance since ancient times. This flower has been treated as a motif in various arts, such as poems or pictures. There is a famous collection of Japanese poems that is called the Ise Monogatari (伊勢物語, The Tales of Ise). One of the well-known episodes in this book treats the Kakitsubata. The plot of the story is as follows. The protagonist no longer felt comfortable living in the city and decided to go to the eastern country, which was the countryside at that time. He left the town with his friends, and during the journey, one of them found that Kakitsubatas were blooming at the waterside. The protagonist was requested to write a poem using characters of the Kakitsubata (it is written as かきつばた in Hiragana character), and he responded to this challenging request. He composed a nostalgic poem, and it made them feel homesick for their home or families.

 As mentioned above, there is another possibility of this flower’s model; the Shoubu. Its Japanese name has the same pronunciation as the word “Shoubu (勝負),” which means battle. So, the “Shoubu” (菖蒲, iris flower) motif was associated with the idea of “Shoubu” (勝負, fight) due to the same pronunciation. Therefore, these motifs reminded Samurai warriors of battles. Based on these ideas, we would judge one of these two flowers is the motif of this Fuchi part’s design.

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

 You could find the figures of Samurai warriors from the gaps of the Tsukamaki thread. It seems two Samurai are designed on each Menuki. They wear armor, and on some parts, golden colorings partially remain. They have grim expressions on their faces, and they move forward, bringing their weapons. This Menuki depicts the bravery of Samurai warriors. Samurai motifs are often seen on sword mountings. We imagine this theme has encouraged and inspired Samurai warriors on their way to battlefields.

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. 

 Yatsu-Mokkou-shaped Tsuba. It has a symmetrical shape and design. Four golden dots are inlaid on each side. This Tsuba does not have complicated decorations. However, its plain design matches well with other parts of the Koshirae when this Tsuba is attached to the handle. We hope you will enjoy the beauty of iron material.

 In addition, there is an engraved inscription on the front. It is written as Mitsumasa (光正). It is the name of this Tsuba’s maker.

Saya Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.  

 

Authentication PaperNTHK Kanteisho Certificate for the blade

 NTHK, also known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai, is the oldest organization for sword authentication of Japanese swords in modern times. It was established in 1889 during the post-Samurai era. They authenticated the blade on Feb. 19th in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023). We are expecting to receive the paper by the end of March. 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 : Saga 6539

 The Board of Education in Saga 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 500 Japanese swords for the past three years (~2023) 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, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, France, Hong Kong and 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.

*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be delays in shipping. If you like to know the detail about shipping, please feel free to ask us.

【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

SWORDS WITHOUT CERTIFICATES FOR SALE

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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