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Updated: 19 Feb 2025

SOLD

Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Hiromasa
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate

$8,886.25

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 Case (Decorative Sword Mountings),  Traditional Sword Carrying Bag, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support

Category Wakizashi (KOTO)
Age Late Muromachi period (Late 15th-Early 16th century)
Swordsmith Hiromasa (広正)
Certificate NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
Location Sagami province (Today’s Kanagawa prefecture)
Blade Size Cutting Edge Length: 35.4 cm (13.9 inches)
Curvature: 0.5 cm (0.19 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 Signed by Hiromasa with NBTHK Tokubestsu Hozon Certificate

 

【Description】

 This blade was signed by Hiromasa (広正) during the late Muromachi period in Sagami province (today’s Kanagawa prefecture).  The swordsmith’s name Hiromasa continued for several generations, and we estimate that this sword was made by one of the later Hiromasa.

 The first generation was a disciple of the famous swordsmith Masamune (正宗), and he inherited the techniques of the Soshu Den from him. He produced many swords in Sagami province (today’s Kanagawa prefecture) around 1356 to 1361. However, very few of his works have survived.

 Later, around 1469, a swordsmith who inherited the name Hiromasa moved from Sagami province to the Kouzuke province (today’s Gunma prefecture), where he began making swords for the Obata family (小幡家), who were local lords. Hiromasa swords became well-known for their exquisite carvings, with designs such as Fudo Myoo (不動明王, acalanātha) and Kurikara (倶利伽羅, a pattern where a dragon is entwined around the sword) being particularly popular.

Soshu Den

 It is said that the generations of Sukemune  mastered  a particular sword-forging tradition called Soshu Den. Shoshu Den was born in the middle of the Kamakura period. Back then, the Yamato and Yamashiro traditions were highly developed, and there were a few renowned swordsmiths from those regions. However, the sword-forging practice was in its infancy in the Kanto area, where the Soshu region was located.

 At the beginning of the Kamakura government, which was established in 1185, the first Shogun, Minamoto Yoritomo, prioritized making a lot of rules to have its political stability. And he couldn’t afford to hire swordsmiths within the same region or train them. Therefore, the Kamakura government originally ordered weapons to the swordsmiths in the other areas, such as Yamato and Yamashiro.

 But, since the government was established, the demand for weapons increased exponentially in the government, and they had to figure out how to meet those demands from Samurai who served Kamakura shogunate. Then, the 5th head of the Shogun, Hojo Tokiyori, invited two renowned swordsmiths from other parts of Japan. They were Awataguchi Kunitsuna from Yamashiro province and Bizen Saburo Kunimune from Bizen province. And the 7th-gen Shogun Koreyasu Shino also invited Fukuoka Ichimonji Sukezane from Bizen province.

 It is said that those three swordsmiths played an essential role in creating the Soshu Den and making the foundation of the Soshu Den. Also another famous figure in the Soshu den is Intou Kunimitsu, an adopted son of Awataguchi Knitsuna. And Kunimitsu passed his excellent craftsmanship to Yukimitsu, his apprentice. And Masamune, one of the most famous swordsmiths in Japanese history, was an apprentice of Yukimitsu.  And Masamune was the one that brought Shoshuden to nationwide fame. The tradition Masamune completed became an example of other swordsmiths who learned Soshu Den. Also, Soshu Den influenced many renowned swordsmiths during the Koto- Shinto era. One of examples is Inoue Shinkai from Osaka and Suishinshi Masahide from Edo.

 

Background

 During the late Muromachi period, which corresponds to the Sengoku period (戦国時代, the Warring States period), Japan was marked by constant military conflict and political instability. Samurai played a crucial role in these tumultuous times, and their need for high-quality weapons, especially swords, became more pronounced.

 The samurai relied heavily on swords not only as a symbol of their status and power but also as essential tools in battle. Swords were seen as extensions of the samurai’s spirit and were used for both combat and ceremonial purposes. The demand for swords, particularly those forged by renowned swordsmiths, grew as different feudal lords (daimyō) sought to arm their warriors with the best possible weapons.

 During this period, the production of swords was not only for military use but also for ceremonial purposes, as samurai were expected to maintain a strong connection to traditional values and the aesthetics of their culture. High-quality swords with intricate designs, such as those featuring symbols of Buddhism or dragons, became highly sought after for their beauty as well as their functionality.

 As the Sengoku period progressed, swordsmiths who could produce superior weapons like Hiromasa gained renown, and their blades were seen as vital for the success of the samurai in both war and in their role as protectors of their territories.

 

Horimono (Engraving)

 On this blade, you would find Horimo (彫物, blade sculpture) on each side. These are the elements of this blade’s beauty. On one side,  you may notice a fierce figure holding a sword against a backdrop of blazing flames. This is Fudo Myo-O (不動明王, acalanātha), a popular deity in Japanese Buddhism. Despite his appearance, he is known as a protector who guides people through life’s challenges and uncertainties. The flame behind him represents the burning away of desires that obstruct the path to an ideal life, while  the large sword in his right hand symbolizes cutting through confusion. His name, ‘Fudo (不動)’ meaning ‘immovable’, reflects his steadfast wisdom and his vow to protect wisdom and his vow to protect those who seek his guidance.

 On the other side, you would find the Gomahashi (護摩箸) and Bonji (梵字) are engraved. Gomahashi (護摩箸) is a horimono in the form of the ritual chopsticks used in both Shinto and Buddhist rites. Bonji (梵字) is Sanscrit characters carved into the blade invoking Buddhist deities. Sword carvings often depict Fudo Myo-O or his incarnations, and there are also Sanskrit characters that represent this god. Among the various Buddhist Buddhas, Fudo Myo-O was deeply worshiped by Samurai warriors. According to a theory, this god is the incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai (大日如来, Mahāvairocana, the principal image of esoteric Buddhism). Perhaps the most common type of Sanskrit character carved on the blades is the character “Kahn (カーン)”, which means Fudo Myo-O. There is also a Sanskrit character called “Kanmarn (カンマーン),” which is combined with the word “Man.” There was once a trend that Samurai warriors incorporated motifs with religious meaning into their battle costumes, such as armor and helmets, and this sword carving was also a way to express their religious beliefs. 

 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. 

 

*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of Kitae Kizu one this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.

 

【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)35.4 cm (13.9 inches)
Curvature(Sori)0.5 cm (0.19 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



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 (Scabbard), Tsuka (Handle), Tsuba (Handguard).

 

 

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

 

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

 One side depicts an horned owl perched on a harvest basket. In Buddhism, owls are considered to be symbols of knowledge, and they are often regarded as guardians or symbols of wisdom in temples and shrines. In Japan, as seen in the design of this pattern, owls are also seen as heralds of a good harvest.

  On the other side, a cow is depicted. The cow holds significant importance in Buddhism, partly because the name “Gotama” (the Buddha’s birth name, Gautama Siddhartha) means “the most sacred cow.” In Japan, the cow is also considered a symbol of compassion.

 

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

 

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

 This Kozuka depicts a crow perched on a tree. The crow has long been regarded as a symbol of wisdom and mystery in Japan, and in Japanese Buddhism, it is considered a messenger of the gods.

 

KougaiKougai is the equipment for Samurai to arrange or fix his hair style.

 The Kiri (桐, Paulownia) is designed on this Kougai. The Kiri (桐) pattern is generally composed of three standing straight inflorescences and three leaves. The number of flowers that are blooming at each inflorescence means the ranks of this design. It is also famous that one of the most popular Samurais in Japan: Toyotomi Hideyoshi used the Kiri pattern for his family crest. According to a theory, Hideyoshi used Omodaka (沢瀉, arrowhead) pattern as his family crest. However, Oda Nobunaga, a well-known military commander in the Warring States period, permitted Hideyoshi to use Kiri design. This plant pattern was once used by the imperial family and national leaders of the time. Today, this plant pattern is used as the crest of the Japanese Government.

SayaSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.  

 The cloud-like arabesque pattern is depicted entirely on this Saya. It is called the Kumo Karakusa (雲唐草), which is a combination of Kumo (雲, cloud) and Karakusa (唐草, arabesque) pattern. The cloud pattern has been associated with magical power, and people thought it an omen of lucky things. In addition, some people wished to obtain a leisurely life in comfort by seeing clouds’ movements (that floats in the sky). Or, as clouds appear repeatedly, its design represents reincarnation. Samurais were always on the verge of life and death on the battlefield. They might have believed in the power of this pattern. And they had incorporated it into the design of their sword mountings. 

 Regarding the Karakusa pattern, it is a pattern 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, called Tsuru (蔓) in Japanese, 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. And the Kumo Karakusa pattern is said to be one of the arabesque patterns, which was made to resemble a large spreading cloud. 

 Also, If you look close, you would find a heart mark-shaped hole is engraved. 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.

 

Authentication PaperNBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1022984)

 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 August 23rd 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 : Hiroshima 52255

 The Board of Education in Hiroshima 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.


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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 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.

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