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Updated: 29 Mar 2024

SOLD

Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Attributed to Uda Kunimune
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate

$4,954.81

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

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

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

Category Wakizashi (KOTO)
Age Late Nanbokucho-Oei era
Swordsmith Attributed to Uda Kunimune (宇多国宗: Unsigned)
Certificate NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
Location Etchu province  (Today’s Toyama prefecture)
Blade Size Cutting Edge Length : 56.3 cm ( 22.1 inches)
Curvature: 1.5 cm (0.59 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 Wakizashi Attributed to Uda Kunimune with NBTHK Tokubestsu Hozon Certificate

【Description】

Summary 

 This blade is attributed to Uda Kunimune (宇多国宗) during the late Nanbokucho~O-Ei era (Late 14th century-1428), according to its NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon appraisal. Kunimune belonged to Uda school. The maker’s name Kunimune lasted a few generations. The first-gen Kunimune was the son of Kunimitsu and a younger brother of Kunifusa. All of them played an essential role in making the school prosperous. Based on its appraisal, we believe it is attributed to the late-gen Kunimune.

 Uda (宇多) school was especially active during the Nanbokuchoto-mid Muromachi period(approx. 1334–1491). The school was established by Kunimitsu(国光) in the late Kamakura period (late 13th century). The school was located in Etchu province in Toyama prefecture today.

 Kunimitsu was originally from Yamato Uda Gun(大和宇多郡), located in Nara prefecture but moved to Etchu in the late Kamakura period (1299-1333) with his apprentices, including the first-gen Kunifusa(his older brother), and Kunimune(国宗). It is said that the first-gen Kunimune made significant contributions for the school to flourish after they moved to Etchu province. The school’s name Uda came from the fact that the founder was originally from Uda Gun.

 Uda school was famous for producing practically designed blades, which were desirable during Nanbokucho- Muromachi period. Among other schools in the Hokuriku region (the northwestern part of Honshu), Uda school was one of the most prominent schools.
When the Uda school flourished 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.

 There are two categories in the work of Uda school. One is Ko Uda(Old Uda), and the other is Uda. Ko Uda swords were forged from the late Kamakura period to the Nanbokucho period (1299 – 1393). Uda blades were forged during the Muromachi period.

 

  This blade 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. 

 

【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa) 56.3 cm ( 22.1 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



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.

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

 Although some engraving patterns have become challenging to see due to aging, we think the wave pattern is probably the principal design. You could see curved line patterns that express the flow of flowing water. As waves’ movements continue endlessly, the wave pattern represents eternity, immortality, longevity, birth, etcetera. People used this pattern wishing for an indomitable spirit to rechallenge time and time without giving up. Also, since tides repeatedly change the shape and terrain of rocks, some people hoped for a strong will by using this motif. This motif has been appreciated thanks to its dynamic design, especially for men’s Kimono (traditional Japanese costume). The wave pattern might have been incorporated into sword mountings based on such an idea.

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

The Gosan-no Kiri (五三の桐) patterns are designed on this Menuki. We estimate it was designed here as a family crest. A large one is placed in the center of the circular of Menuki, and six identical family crests are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference.

 The Kiri (桐) pattern is generally composed of three standing straight inflorescences and three leaves. The number of blooming flowers at each inflorescence means the ranks of this design. The Gosan-no-Kiri pattern is a popular design in that the paulownia motif is used. This pattern was once used by the imperial family and people in authority back then. Today, it is permitted to use by ordinary households and is appreciated as their family crests. The family crest became a mark representing the family, and it became a symbol of authority, especially in Samurai families. It is just a possibility, but this family crest might have been designed here to represent the family lineage of the former owner of this sword.

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 the Nanban (南蛮) -style Tsuba. Nanban Tsubas usually have circle shapes or Mokkou shapes. Dragons, foreign letters, or arabesque designs are often engraved and inlaid with gold or silver on the thin iron. This style’s Tsubas have an exotic mood. On both sides of this Tsuba, you would find the figure of a dragon expressed in an abstract design. It seems golden coloring (probably gold or brass inlay) was initially applied to these dragons. Combined with the background pattern, it looks like a dragon is pushing forward through clouds or waves.

 Initially, the dragon was an imaginary creature found in ancient foreign traditions or myths. The dragon was thought to reign at the top of all animals because of its odd appearance. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbol of auspicious signs. Its body is likened to nine animals: antlers are deer, the head is a camel, eyes are demons, the neck is a snake, the belly is the Mizuchi (蛟, a mythical animal in Japan that looks like a snake and has a horn and four legs), scales are fish, claws are falcons, palms are tigers, and ears are cows.

 

Saya Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.  

*Please keep in mind that there is a trace of restoration on this Saya. If you like to have a Kozuka for this Saya, please feel free to contact us.

 

Authentication PaperNBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blade (No.1016979)

 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 Dec. 3rd in the 3rd year of Reiwa (2021). 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 89054
 The Board of Education in Tokyo 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.


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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 500 Japanese swords for the past three years (~2023) 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, Switzerland, France, Hong Kong 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.

*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.

【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.

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