on the right corner of the photo.Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Attributed to Kashu Sanekage with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
【Description】
This blade is attributed to Kashu Sanekage (加州真景), who was active in the mid – late Nanbokucho period (南北朝: 1362-1375). Kashu is the province’s name in Today’s Ishikawa prefecture, and it is also known as Kaga province. It is said that he learned the sword-forging techniques from Etchu Norishige (越中則重).
Kashu has been known for many renowned swordsmiths for a ling time. Although it was not clear when the sword-forging was begun there, it is said that Sanekage was one of the founders of sword-forging in Kashu province along with Fujishima Tomoshige, another renowned figure in this region.
When Sanekage was active in the Nanbokucho period, Japan was tumultuous because the imperial court was split into two sides(south and north). There were many conflicts, and many Samurai were deployed. And Sanekage must have dedicated himself to forging high-quality blades for those Samurai who fought in battles.
Historical Background
The Nanbokuchō period (1336–1392) in Japan refers to a time when two rival imperial courts existed simultaneously and were in conflict with each other.
During this period, Emperor Go-Daigo (後醍醐天皇) established the Southern Court (南朝) in Yoshino (located in present-day Nara Prefecture), while Ashikaga Takauji (足利尊氏), the founder of the Ashikaga shogunate, set up the Northern Court (北朝) in Kyoto.
This division led to nearly 60 years of political instability and conflict, as both courts claimed legitimacy as the true imperial authority. The era was marked by ongoing warfare and shifting alliances, reflecting a broader transition of power from the imperial court to the samurai-led military government. The conflict eventually came to an end in 1392, when Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate, succeeded in reunifying the two courts under a single imperial line.
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 few kitae kizu and black rust spots on this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length (Nagasa): 34.6 cm (13.6 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
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 theme of this fuchi-kashira is the nindō (忍冬) motif, a type of scrolling vine design known as karakusa (唐草). This pattern is inspired by the tendrils and leaves of the honeysuckle plant, characterized by its flowing, continuous curves. Its origins can be traced back to palmette motifs of ancient Egypt and Greece, which spread along the Silk Road to China and were later introduced to Japan during the Asuka and Nara periods (7th–8th centuries). The motif symbolizes longevity, prosperity, and vitality, and was widely used in Buddhist art, as seen in the roof tiles of Hōryū-ji Temple and treasures preserved in the Shōsōin Repository.
Tsuka and Menuki: Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
The motif of this Menuki is a turnip (蕪, Kabu). Kabu is one of the seven herbs of spring in Japan. People eat these herbs on January 7th, hoping for good health, and it is believed that it would protect people from evil spirits. And it is also said that the word “Kabu (蕪)” was said to be associated with the word “Kabu (頭, head)”, another pronunciation of Kashira (頭). Therefore, a turnip has been cherished as a food of good luck among Samurai families, who hoped to become the head or leader.
※ Please note that part of the handle wrapping (tsuka-ito) shows a minor repair.
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 depicts a figure wearing an eboshi (烏帽子), a type of traditional cap worn by aristocrats during the Heian period (794–1185), alongside a willow tree (柳).
In the Heian period, willows were especially admired for their fresh, light green color—known as yanagi-iro (willow green)—which symbolized the arrival of spring. They were beloved by court nobles and frequently appeared in poetry, garden design, and along the streets of the capital, adding a refined and elegant atmosphere.
In classical Japanese poetry, such as the Kokin Wakashū (古今和歌集), willows were often paired with cherry blossoms and came to represent the colors and beauty of spring in the imperial capital. As such, the willow became a deeply rooted symbol within court culture.
Kozuka: Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).
The motif of this kozuka appears to depict Guan Yu(関羽), a legendary hero from the Chinese historical epic Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国志).
Guan Yu is widely celebrated as a god of war, renowned for his unmatched strength and bravery in battle. However, in this scene he is portrayed in a rare, quiet moment—seated calmly and looking at a scroll in his hands. The figure behind him, who seems to be peering over with a slightly stern expression, is likely Zhou Cang (周倉), one of Guan Yu’s loyal attendants. Based on his appearance, he is thought to be carrying the Green Dragon Crescent Blade (青龍偃月刀), a long-handled, single-edged weapon closely associated with Guan Yu. This weapon is famous as a symbol of Guan Yu’s martial prowess in the novel and is said to have weighed as much as 48 kilograms.
Saya: Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
*Please keep in mind that the lacquer coating is partially missing due to the age.
The surface of this Saya is decorated with the Ishime-Ji (石目地). Its base was hit by Tagane (鏨, chisel for metalworking), and it makes a rough surface that seems stone.
Authentication Paper: NBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1019020)
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 December 14th in the 4th year of Reiwa (2022). 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: Tokyo 324888
The Board of Education in Tokyo 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.
【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, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Hong Kong UK, and 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.
【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.
