Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Sukemune with Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
【Description】
This blade was signed Bungo no Kami Fujiwara Sukemune (豊後守藤原助宗) and is believed to be the work of the third generation Shimada Sukemune, a prominent swordsmith of the Shimada school active around the Kanei era (1624–1644) in Suruga Province (today’s Shizuoka Prefecture). During this period, members of the Shimada lineage bearing the name Sukemune were dispatched to various regions, including Shinano and Dewa, reflecting the expansion and influence of the school.
The “Bungo no Kami” was a hereditary honorary court title bestowed upon successive generations of Sukemune. The title Kami was granted by the imperial court in recognition of outstanding craftsmanship. Notably, the third-generation Sukemune was permitted to inscribe the chrysanthemum emblem (菊紋, kikumon)—the symbol of the Japanese emperor—on his blades. This privilege was extremely rare and signified exceptional skill and imperial favor. This blade bears that chrysanthemum emblem.
About the Shimada School
The Shimada school was founded by Yoshisuke (義助) in the mid-Muromachi period and continued its activity through the late Edo period. The school was based in Shimada, Suruga Province, and produced many accomplished swordsmiths, including Sukemune, Hirotsugu, and Sadahiro.
The first-generation Yoshisuke was active during the Kosho era (1455–1457). According to tradition, he was a descendant of Bizen Ichimonji Sukemune, one of the most celebrated swordsmiths in Japanese history. Yoshisuke served the powerful Imagawa clan and is said to have received the character yoshi (義) in his name from Imagawa Yoshitada.
The Shimada school maintained close interaction with Soshu-style swordsmiths active around Odawara Castle in present-day Kanagawa Prefecture. Owing to Suruga’s strategic importance, the school received commissions from major feudal powers such as the Takeda, Tokugawa, and Hojo clans during the Sengoku period (Warring States period). The high level of craftsmanship established by the first-generation Yoshisuke was carefully transmitted through successive generations, allowing the Shimada school to flourish from the Muromachi through the Edo period.
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.
*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu and black rust on the blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)：69.8 cm (27.4 inches)
Curvature(Sori)：1.5 cm (0.59 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.
Tsuka and Menuki：Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
*Please keep in mind that there are some damage on the Tsuka due to the aging. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
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 design motif of this tsuba is believed to be based on the Twelve Zodiac Signs (十二支, Jūnishi). The Jūnishi is a traditional East Asian system used to designate years, time, and directions. It originated in ancient China and was later transmitted to Japan. The system of the Twelve Zodiac Signs developed independently from the later pictorial representations of zodiac animals.
On this tsuba, archaic character forms representing zodiac signs such as the Rat (鼠) and the Dog (戌) are depicted. These characters are thought to be inspired by oracle bone script, which was used during the Yellow River civilization of ancient China. Historically, the Twelve Zodiac Signs appear engraved on oracle bones from the Shang dynasty, where they were combined with the Ten Heavenly Stems to record dates.
The reverse side of the tsuba features a bellflower (桔梗, kikyō) along with other autumn plants, presenting a contrasting motif rooted in seasonal imagery.
Kougai：Kougai is the equipment for Samurai to arrange or fix his hair style.
This item is an antique kōgai (笄), a traditional Japanese hair ornament used by samurai to arrange or secure their hairstyle. A kōgai was typically inserted into the kōgai-hitsu, a dedicated slot on the scabbard, while a kozuka (小柄) was usually fitted into the slot on the opposite side.
The design depicted on this kōgai is believed to represent the Shichiyō-mon (七曜紋), or “Seven Luminaries Crest.” This motif is based on the seven celestial bodies known in ancient East Asia: the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn. Together, these seven luminaries were associated with cosmology, timekeeping, and celestial order. In Japan, the Shichiyō-mon is also closely linked to the symbolism of the Big Dipper (北斗七星, Hokuto Shichisei) and was used as a family crest as well as a protective and auspicious emblem.
Saya：Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
This saya features a luxurious red lacquer finish, decorated with a spiral pattern resembling a leech wrapped around its surface. This technique is likely a form of Hirumaki-nuri (蛭巻塗).
*Please keep in mind that there is partial damage on the Saya. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
Authentication Paper：NBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1025310)
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 August 22nd in the 7th year of Reiwa (2025). 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 : Shizuoka 69024
The Board of Education in Shizuoka 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 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.
