Menu Close

Updated: 3 Dec 2024

Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Signed by Kaneuji
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate

$6,018.98

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*There might be delay in shipment depending on countries

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

INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Koshirae Mounting, Shirasaya case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

Category Tanto (KOTO)
Age Late Muromachi period (1469-1487)
Swordsmith Kaneuji (兼氏)
Certificate NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate 
Location Mino province (Today’s Gifu prefecture)
Blade Size Cutting Edge Length: 28.7 cm (11.3 inches)
Curvature: 1.5 cm (0.59nches)

More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us. 

In stock

Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Signed by Kaneuji with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate

【Description】

 This blade was signed by Kaneuji (兼氏) during the late Muromachi period (1469-1487) in Mino province (today’s Gifu prefecture).  Kaneuji was based in Seki, a town known for its high-quality blades. His work is a fine example of the MINO-DEN (美濃伝), a school of sword-making famous for its practical and innovative designs during times of conflict. While not the first-gen Kaneuji, this later gen continued to uphold and refine the techniques and traditions of his predecessors. 

 Late Muromachi period was a time of political and social upheaval, especially the Onin War (応仁の乱, 1467-1477) had plunges Japan into chaos, marking the start of  the Sengoku period, an age of constant warfare among regional lords. This unrest created a strong demand for well-crafted swords, and Mino province became a center for production. Kaneuji’s work from this era reflects the needs of the time, with a focus on functionality and reliability while maintaining the artistic qualities valued in Japanese blades.

First-gen Kaneuji

 The first-gen Kaneuji was a renowned swordsmith from the Kamakura period who trained under the SOSHU-DEN School (相州伝), heavily influenced by Masamune, one of Japan’s great swordmakers. After moving to Mino province, he established the foundation of MINO-DEN (美濃伝) by blending SOSHU-DEN techniques with local styles. His work became a benchmark for craftmanship, known for its robustness and sharpness, and laid the groundwork for later generations of Kaneuji, including this smith from the late Muromachi period.

MINO DEN

 MINO-DEN exceedingly prospered during Sengoku Jidai (Warring State period) due to the high demand for weapons. And the location of Mino province beat others. Akechi Mitsuhide controlled Mino province, and Nobunaga Oda ruled Owari province. Tokugawa Ieyasu was the lord of Suruga (Neighboring areas). There was high demand from those powerful feudal lords and their retainers.
 Furthermore, so many wars occurred between the Kanto region and the Kyoto area. Mino is located in the middle, making feudal lords feel convenient to order swords from MINO-DEN. The blades forged in MINO provinces also had the reputation of their practical design and sharpness. Many feudal lords demanded swords forged in the Mino province. This highly skilled sword-forging technique has been passed down for generations. The smith’s name “Kanesada” was one of the most famous ones even after the warring state ended.

Horimono (Engraving)

 This blade has beautiful engravings on both sides. You would find the Horimono (彫り物, sculpture) of Suken (素剣)on one side, and Gomahashi (護摩箸) on the other. The Suken is a simplified design of the Sanko-Duka-Ken (三鈷柄剣), which is a sword that the Fudo Myo-O (不動明王: acalanātha, one of the objects of worship in Buddhism) brings. It is an esoteric Buddhist tool used for esoteric prayer, meditation, purification, and amulets. It is believed that this sword would exorcize evil spirits. Gomahashi (護摩箸) is a horimono in the form of the ritual chopsticks used in both Shinto and Buddhist rites. 

 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 this Tanto sword comes with a Wakizashi Koshirae.

【Blade】

Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)28.7 cm (11.3 inches)
Curvature(Sori)1.5 cm (0.59nches)

 

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



 

KissakiKissaki is the tip of the Japanese sword.

 

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.

 

KoshiraeKoshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya (Sabbard), Tsuka (Handle), Tsuba (Handguard).

 

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

This Fuchi-Kahira features motifs of Kikyou (桔梗, Japanese bellflowers), a wild boar, and three figures using the gold inlay technique.  Kikyou is a small star-shaped flower. It is said its root has medicinal efficacy. The Kikyou pattern has often been used as a motif of Tanka (短歌, a kind of traditional Japanese poem) and pictures since the Heian period (794-1185). Its name was initially “Kichikou,” and it changed to “Kikyou” with time. It is said this flower was used for fortune-telling in the old days. This action is called Kikkyou-wo Uranau (吉凶を占う) in Japanese. The word Kikkyou (吉凶, good or bad omen) was associated with this flower’s name. “Kichikou” was compared to the word “Kichi Kou (吉更),” which means further good fortune. That is why this flower pattern is treated as a good omen design.

 In addition, 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.

 

TsukaTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.

 The motif of this Menuki is a peony (牡丹, Botan). Peony represents happiness, wealth, nobleness, and gorgeousness. This flower pattern has been treated as a kind of good-omen motif; people regarded it as a rich harvest sign. Peony is called “Botan” in Japanese. When we write this flower’s name in Japanese, its second letter means mountain hermit medicine that would give us eternal youth. Based on the meaning of this letter, the peony pattern symbolizes eternal youth and longevity.

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. 

 The motif of this Tsuba is a chrysanthemum (菊, Kiku). And the petals of the chrysanthemum seem to be double-layered on this Tsuba. A long time ago, the chrysanthemum was used as a medicine for obtaining a long life in China, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). Chrysanthemum is one of the flowers which symbolizes fall, and people appreciate it very much since ancient times. As its petals form radially, the chrysanthemum has been likened to the sun. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health. “Kiku no Gomon (菊の御紋)” is a kind of chrysanthemum pattern, and it has been used as the crest of the Emperor and the royal family in Japan so that it is well-known as a noble pattern.

 

Kozuka and KougaiKozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu (groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword), and Kougai is the equipment for Samurai to arrange or fix his hair style.

 The motif os these Kozuka and Kougai is Japanese apricot blossom (梅, Ume). 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. 

SayaSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.  

 This scabbard is covered with black lacquer. Due to its high waterproof effect, lacquer has been used since ancient times in Asia. The blade of a Japanese sword is made of iron, and moisture is the greatest enemy of iron. For the purpose of carrying the blade without degrading it, people devised a method of coating the scabbard with lacquer. To prevent not only moisture but also rain and snow from penetrating the inside of the scabbard, it was necessary to apply multiple layers of lacquer. The Nurushi (塗師, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.

 

 

Authentication PaperNBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate  (No.1022509)

 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 May 31st in the 6th year of  Reiwa (2024). 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 : Akita 3186

 The Board of Education in Akita prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Hou Token Rui Torokusho (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.

—————————————————————–

【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

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.

In stock

You may also like…

  • $0.00

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

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

    INCLUDED: NBTHK JUYO TOKEN Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

    Category Katana (SHIN SHIN TO)
    Age The second year of the Tenmei era (1782)
    Swordsmith Satsuyo Shi Motohira (薩陽士元平)
    Certificate NBTHK JUYO TOKEN Certificate
    Location Satsuma province (Today’s Kagoshima prefecture)
    Blade Size Cutting Edge Length: 71.0 cm (27.9 inches)
    Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 inches)

    More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us. 

    *No coupon code can be applied to this Katana.

  • $43,470.38

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

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

    INCLUDED: NBTHK JUYO TOKEN Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

    Category Katana (KOTO)
    Age late Kamakura- early Nanbokucho period (1326-1351)
    Swordsmith Attributed to Den Rai Kunimitsu (伝来国光: Unsigned)
    Certificate NBTHK JUYO TOKEN Certificate
    Location Yamashiro province (Today’s Kyoto prefecture)
    Blade Size Cutting Edge Length: 69.6 cm (27.4 inches)
    Curvature: 1.8 cm (0.70 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.

     

  • $26,082.23

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

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

    INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Mounting, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

    Category Katana ( SHIN SHIN TO)
    Age 6th year of the Ansei era (1859)
    Swordsmith Minamoto Masao (源正雄)
    Certificate NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
    Location Ezo province (Today’s Hokkaido prefecture)
    Blade Size Cutting Edge Length: 70.5 cm (27.7 inches)
    Curvature: 2.0 cm (0.79 inches)

    More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.