Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Okimasa with NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate
【Description】
This blade was signed by Nagasone Okimasa (長曽祢興正) in the 5th year of the Enpo era (1677). Okimasa, also known as Shobei (庄兵衛), was active during the early Edo period (the mid – late 17th century) and he is one of the most renowned swordsmiths in the early Edo period.
This blade also has an inscription called Saidan Mei (截断銘), which refers to the practice of inscribing the results of a test cutting called Tameshigiri and the name of the swordsman on the tang (Nakago) of the sword. That means that this sword has been proven its sharpness by test cutting.
Okimasa learned sword-forging techniques from Nagasone Okisato (長曽祢興里), also known as Nagasone Kotetsu (長曽祢虎徹), who was a very successful swordsmith in the early Edo period.
Okisato, the first-gen Kotetsu, was born in Omi province (today’s Shiga prefecture), which was ruled by Ishida Mitsunari (石田三成), a famous warrior. When Ishida Mitsunari defeated in the Sekigahara-no Tatakai (関ヶ原の戦い, Battle of Sekigahara), the first-gen Kotestsu moved to Echizen province (today’s Fukui prefecture). Then, he was active as a famous armorer there. Later, he became a swordsmith around the age of 50 and moved to Edo (today’s Tokyo). It is said that his masters were Ise Daijo Tsunahiro (伊勢大掾綱廣) and Izumi no Kami Kaneshige (和泉守兼重), both of whom were also renowned swordsmiths in the early Edo period. Okisato also became a renowned swordsmith in Edo.
Okisato first signed Nagasone Okisato (長曽祢興里) on his blades, but after entering Buddhism, he began to use the inscription Kotetsu. The sharpness of his blades and his sword-forging technique were considered so excellent that he was called the Yokozuna of SHINTO: Yokozuna originally refers to the highest rank wrestler in the sport of Sumo, and SHINTO refers to swords made during the late Azuchi Momoyama – mid Edo period (1596-1793). It is said that his swords were very popular and expensive at that time. In addition, his swords are recognized as Saijo O Wazamono, which is a term for a sword with the highest rated cutting ability.
Okimasa, the second-gen Kotestu, is said to have been Okisato’s assistant as an armorer in Echizen province, and they are considered to have moved to Edo together. Then he was adopted and succeeded to the second-gen Kotesu. It is said that the second-gen Kotestu forged swords as a substitute for the first-gen Kotesu due to his high level of skills. The sharpness of his blades is also excellent, and like the first-gen Kotesu, they are recognized as Saijo O Wazamono.
Tamashigiri Sword
Based on the signature on the tang, Yamano Kanjuro Hisahide (山野勘十郎久英) did Tamashigiri (test cutting) by using this blade forged by Okimasa, the second-gen Kotestu. Yamano Kanjuro Hisahide was in the position of officials who served the Shogunate and tested swords for sharpness. The signature mentions that the sword was forged in August in the 5th year of the Enpo era (1677), and Tameshigiri (test cutting) was done on November 23rd in the same year. After the signature, there is a Kao (花押: stylized signature).
Dead bodies of inmates on death row were often subjected to Tameshigiri. According to the tang statement, Mitsudo Saidan (三ツ胴截断), this blade cut through three bodies in a single strike. This statement proves this blade’s sharpness.
*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)：69.0 cm (27.1 inches)
Curvature(Sori)：0.9 cm (0.35 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 motif of this Fuchi Kashira is Ume (梅, Japanese apricot blossoms). Its flowers and buds are painted gold beautifully.
Japanese apricot blossoms begin to bloom in winter that snow still covers its tree so that people thought this flower tells the arrival of spring. Same as cherry blossom, it has been appreciated for a long time in Japan. People enjoy its adorable petal shape and scent, gracefully branched tree, and compose many poems. As it comes out in the cold season, it symbolizes the power of perseverance and vitality.
Tsuka and Menuki：Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
The Menuki has the same motif, Ume (梅, Japanese apricot blossoms), as the Fuchi Kashira.
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 pattern depicted on this Tsuba is called the Ajiro (網代). Ajiro is a net-like tool made of woven wood or bamboo used to catch fish in rivers. The pattern created when it is woven is called Ajiro pattern. Also, this type of Ajiro pattern is especially called the San kuzushi Ajiro (三崩し網代) pattern. San means three, and Kuzushi means breaking. It is a pattern that looks like the Sanki Mon (算木文), a tool used in Japanese arithmetic, is broken down. Its name comes from the fact that it looks as if the Sanki Mon was broken up into three pieces horizontally and vertically, one at a time.
Regarding the design of the Habaki, we estimate Susuki (薄/芒, Japanese pampas grass) is depicted. This plant has been used as an offering to Gods. And some people have used it as an amulet to protect people from evil spirits. Also, in Japan, there is a group of plants that represent the autumn season that is called the Aki-no Nanakusa (秋の七草, the seven flowers of autumn). The Susuki is included in this group, and it shows how long this plant has been familiar to Japanese people.
Also, the outer circumference of this Tsuba is decorated with a fine decorative pattern created by Kin Nunome Zougan (金布目象嵌, gold inlay) technique. The Nunome Zougan (布目象嵌) is a technique in which vertical and horizontal stripes are attached to the surface that seems to be a texture of a fabric, and gold or silver foil is pasted on the surface to make it bite in and prevent it from peeling off. Although the golden color is partly faded, this inlay makes this Tsuba look decorative.
Saya： Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
This Saya is decorated with traditional Japanese craft method, the Raden (螺鈿: Raden). The Raden is a decorative technique that is often used for traditional craftwork. It uses the pearl part of seashells and puts it into the engraved surface of lacquer or wood. Thanks to its iridescent luster, it gives a luxurious look to works.
Also, on the head of this Saya and its scabbard bag, coin-like motifs are depicted. It is called the Eirakutsuho (永楽通宝). It is a copper coin which began to be minted in the 9th year of Eiraku (1411) by the 3rd Emperor of the Ming Dynasty in China. In Japan, they were imported in large quantities during the Muromachi period (1333-1573), and circulated until the early Edo period (1603-1868). They were also called the Eiraku coins and Ei coins. The Eiraku coin crest was used as a family crest because it was regarded as an auspicious sign. The Eiraku coin crest is also famous for being used on the banner of Oda Nobunaga (織田信長), one of the most famous warlords in history.
Authentication Paper：NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate for the blade (No. 232404)
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 Feb 12th in the 47th year of Showa (1972). They appraised it as a Tokubetsu Kiho Touken, an old form of the certificate. The purchaser will receive the 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 : Hyogo 26601
The Board of Education in Hyogo prefecture issued 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 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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