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Updated: 29 Mar 2024

SOLD

Antique Japanese Sword Tanto
Unsigned Kanetsune
NTHK Kanteisho Certificate

$1,849.80

Included:
NTHK Kanteisho certificate, Shirasaya Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Full Exportation Support

Delivery Date:
1.0-1.5 month after you place an order
*There might be delay in shipment depending on countries

Category  Tanto(KO-TO)
Age Tensho era(天正):Azuchi Momoyama period(1573-1593 A.D.)
Swordsmith Noshu Seki Kanetsune(Unsigned) 濃州関兼常
Certificate NTHK Kanteisho Certificate
Location Mino Province (today’s Gifu prefecture)
Blade Size Length: 28.6 cm(11.3 inches)/Curvature:0.2 cm(0.07 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 Tanto Unsigned Kanetsune with NTHK Kanteisho Certificate

【Description】
NOSHUSEKI Kanetsune(濃州関兼常) is a famous swordsmith from Mino province(Gifu prefecture). He usually forged Tanto Swords. The swords forged by him was known as superb quality sharp swords. There were a few generations of Kanetsune, and according to NTHK, this blade was forged in the Tensho era(1573-1593)

The MINO swordsmiths style, also known as MINO-DEN, basically has the TOGARI(Pointed shapes protruding from the Hamon )in a classic straight line and random temper line with some white Utsuri. MINO-DEN had its origin from YAMATO-DEN in the late KAMAKURA period(1280-1330). It flourished in the MUROMACHI period(1333-1573) and continued until the EDO period(1603-1868).

MINO-DEN especially 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, and 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 its practical design and sharpness. Many feudal lords demanded swords forged in the Mino province. The tradition of excellent sword forging skills had been passed to the Edo period.

【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)  28.6 cm(11.3 inches)
Curvature(Sori) 0.2 cm(0.07 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

 

NakagoNTHK concluded that It is Suriage Mumei, meaning the signature part was cut due to shortening the blade.

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】

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

 Tsuka’s Fuchi is engraved as pine leaves shape. Pine trees keep their green color through the years by withstanding severe heat and cold. Therefore, people regard it as a sacred plant which represents eternal youth or strong vitality.

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

 Flower-shaped decorations are put for Menuki. It might describe the chrysanthemum flower. A long time ago, people used chrysanthemum as medicine for longevity in China. And it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). Chrysanthemum is one of the autumn flowers. People appreciate it very much and liken chrysanthemum to the sun because its petals form radially. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health.

 

HabakiHabaki is the equipment to make the blade not touch its scabbard inside.It prevents the blade from getting rusty and chipped.

SayaSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword

 Saya’s point is covered with Kojiri (鐺), and its shape looks like a spiral shell. As Japan is an island, seafood is an essential food for Japanese people. Also, pearls made by shells have been used for ornaments since a long time ago. Conch is the most massive coiled shell in Japan. People once used conch as a musical instrument. They blew conch shells believing that it would exorcise evil spirits and protect them.

KozukaKozuka is a small knife stored in Koduka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).

 A shrimp is designed for Kozuka. According to a theory, Japanese people already ate shrimp in the Heian period (794-1185). As it was expensive for ordinary citizens, only the nobility and high-class people could enjoy it at that time. People started using shrimp as a good-omen pattern and appreciated designing it for their family crests in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). As shrimps are covered with hard shells, it was thought shrimp represents the brave Samurai wearing the armor in Samurai’s society. Shrimp has been likened to an older adult because of its long feelers. Also, shrimps jump even though they are bowed. That is the reason why the shrimp pattern is treated as a symbol of perpetual youth and longevity.

Authentication PaperNTHK Kanteisho Certificate

NTHK, also known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai, is the oldest organization for sword authentication of Japanese swords. It was established in 1889 during the post-Samurai era. They authenticated the blade on June 14th in the second year of Reiwa (2020).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 : Kanagawa 59472
 The Board of Education in Kanagawa prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword . In order to obtain this paper, the sword needs to be traditionally hand forged. With this paper, its owner can legally own an authentic Japanese sword in Japan.

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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 300 Japanese swords 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) or PayPal, both of which are secure payment methods. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. After confirming the payment from you, we will apply for an export permit. You can either pay in JPY, USD, EUR or GBP. The price is decided in Japanese Yen. The price in other currencies is calculated automatically based on the exchange rate.

【Shipping】
We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, Canada(BC, AB,ON), Mexico, Australia, UK, Germany , France and Hong Kong. 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 either EMS or UPS(USA only).

We normally ship by EMS(Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post.When we receive an order from the USA, we will use UPS instead as EMS temporarily stops shipping from Japan to the USA due to COVID-19.

We will send you a tracking number for your order as soon as we hand it to the post office/UPS. We will put 100 % insurance on the shipping document without any extra charge. Based on the total amount, there might be a duty tax 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.

 *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.

【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.

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. When you purchase a Japanese sword from us, you can get a Free sword maintenance kit, which appears in this video.

MORE ANTIQUE JAPANESE SWORD FOR SALE

READ KATANA ARCHIVE ARTICLE(Episode1-8)

LEARN JAPANESE SWORD TERMINOLOGY

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