Antique Japanese Sword Tachi attributed to Katsuie with NBTHK Hozon Certificate
【Description】
This blade is attributed to Kashu Katsuie (加州勝家). Kashu is another name of Kaga province (today’s Ishikawa prefecture), and it means that he resided in this area when he forged this blade.
The swordsmith name “Katsuie” (勝家) lasted several generations from the middle of the Muromachi period to the early Edo period (1450s-1650s), and we estimate the late generation Katsuie forged it in the late Murimachi period (the late 15 – mid 16th century). The first generation Katsuie was originally from Mino province, famous for the sword-forging tradition called MINO-DEN (美濃伝). He and his apprentices moved to Kaga Koku (today’s Ishikawa prefecture) in the middle of the Muromachi period (1450’s). They founded a Darani (陀羅尼) school after being hired by the monks who lived there. However, from the second generation, Katsuie served the famous feudal clan, Maeda clan, forging swords for famous Samurais. It was honorable for any swordsmiths to serve a feudal clan exclusively.
This blade might have been made in the middle of Sengoku Jidai (Warring state period) when there was so much rivalry between warlords trying to gain political power nationwide. It would be nice to have a piece that survived through this period.
Maeda Clan
Maeda clan was originally a retainer of Oda family, who ruled Owari province. (today’s Nagoya area in Aichi prefecture). The first head of the Maeda clan was Toshie Maeda. He climbed the social ladder of Samurai society and became the feudal lord of Kaga Province(today’s Ishikawa prefecture). He had a vast rice fief that fed 1 million grown-up adults, which is called Hyakuman Goku. The Maeda clan was one of the most influential families in Samurai history. Toshie Maeda had a close tie with Oda Nobunaga and Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
Homare Kizu (誉疵)
We see what appears to be a Homare Kizu (誉疵), which tells us that this blade was used in a battle. Homare means honorable, and Homare Kizu is considered a good blade characteristic that tells us its history.
Tachi
Based on its characteristics, NBTHK judged it as a Tachi. Tachi was mainly used by an armored Samurai with one hand on horseback from the Heian period (794-1185 A.D.) until the early Muromachi period. TACHI was suspended loosely on the left waist with its edge facing the ground so that you could draw it faster to cut down soldiers on the ground.
Appraisal
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.
*Please keep in mind that there are a few visible Kitae Kizu on the blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length (Nagasa): 72.9 cm (28.7 inches)
Curvature (Sori): 2.9 cm (1.14 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 arabesque (唐草, Karakusa) pattern is depicted on this Fuchi Kashira. The Karakusa pattern is a design in which stems and leaves of vines are twined and make curves. Since ivy has a strong vitality and grows up without interruption, people regarded this design as a symbol of prosperity and longevity. Vine is called Tsuru (蔓) in Japanese, and it has another pronunciation; “Man.” There is a word 万 (it is also read Man), which means ten thousand. In the Karakusa pattern, leaves and vines are connected like Obi (帯, belt). The word “帯” can also be read “Tai.” Due to its pronunciation, the term “代 (Tai)” is associated. From this word-association game, an idiom 万代 is associated, and it means a thousand generations. In other words, we could imagine that people used this design wishing prosperity and longevity for their clans for a long time.
Tsuka and Menuki: Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
We assume the motif designed on this Menuki is the Nasu (茄子, eggplant) and its leaves.
This vegetable design has been treated as an auspicious motif. For example, there is an expression that says “Ichi-Fuji Ni-Taka San-Nasubi (一富士 二鷹 三茄子, one Mt. Fuji, two hawks, and three eggplants).” In Japan, these are considered auspicious signs if they appear in the first dream of the new year. There are several theories why these motifs were chosen. A view says that it is because Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川 家康, 1543-1616), who opened the Edo Shogunate loved Mt. Fuji, falconry and first eggplant of the season. Or, it is also said that each object’s name compared to a good meaning word as following; Fuji (富士) and Buji (無事, safe, safely), Taka (鷹) and Takai (高い, high), and Nasu (茄子) and Nasu (成す, make, achieve). This Tsuba’s maker might have incorporated the eggplant design because of his wishes for the success of his essential work or his desire for a successful career.
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.
This Tsuba has a simplified Tachi Goshirae Tsuba (太刀拵鐔) style. The difference between Tachi Tsuba (太刀鐔) and Katana Tsuba (刀鐔) is that the top and bottom positions of the Nakago hole (茎櫃, center hole) are reversely used. The Tsuba of this Koshirae has Aoi (葵) Tsuba shape. If you focus on four corners, you will find a heart mark-shaped hole is engraved on each edge. 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.
Saya: Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
Mitsu Kashiwa (三つ柏) family crests are designed on this Saya. It contains three wide oak leaves.
In the past, Japanese people used oak leaves as vessels for serving food (tableware). This plant is familiar to ancient Japanese people since it is related to food, an essential element in daily life. These lifestyle habits also have a significant impact on the field of faith. Religions at that time arose spontaneously from people’s everyday lives and worshiped “nature” (the sun, mountains, rivers, oceans), which greatly influenced survival. It had a straightforward and primitive structure in which “one prays by making a Kumotsu (供物, offering) to the object.” Leaves of plants such as oak were used as containers for offerings, which is considered to reflect the lifestyle of the time. These customs were passed on to the Shinto (神道), which developed from this primitive religion, and oak leaves are still used today as vessels for offerings at Shinto rituals. Perhaps due to this background, a sense of value that finds “sacredness” and “auspiciousness” in oak leaves seems to have developed. In this way, oak had a certain degree of familiarity with aristocratic society, and from an early stage, it was turned into patterns and used to decorate clothing and furniture.
As mentioned above, Shintoism has a strong connection with oak. Hence, the Kashiwa emblem was initially particularly popular as a crest for a shrine or its enshrined deity or as a family emblem for shrine families. The Kashiwa crest gradually spread to Samurai families; however, this is thought to have been through objects of worship or relationships with Shinto forces. In addition, oak leaves have a habit of not losing old leaves until new ones replace them, so it is said that “generations are uninterrupted” and “transfer of supremacy” (using the word 葉 “leaf” as 覇 “hegemony”). People favored this plant pattern because it was found to be a good luck carrier, such as not causing trouble due to the change of generations. In the Edo period, family crests began to spread to the ordinary people. It could be said that the fact that it was one of the popular family crests that gained much support from the ordinary people who had new family crests has led to the widespread adoption of the Kashiwa crest today.
Authentication Paper: NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No.3007366)
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 5th in the 27th year of Heisei (2015). 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: Miyagi 41956
The Board of Education in Miyagi 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.
【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.
MORE ANTIQUE JAPANESE SWORD FOR SALE
SWORDS WITHOUT CERTIFICATES FOR SALE
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.
