Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Naotane with NBTHK Tokubestsu Hozon Certificate
【Description】
This wakizashi bears the signature of Yoshihira(吉平), a swordsmith from the Fukuoka Ichimonji school(福岡一文字). Fukuoka Ichimonji was one of the most influential schools in Japanese sword-making history and reached its peak during the mid-Kamakura period (mid-13th century). Yoshihira was active during this golden era, and his lineage is highly esteemed. His grandfather, Muneyoshi, was one of the Gobankaji (御番鍛冶), an elite group of thirteen swordsmiths chosen by Emperor Go-Toba to craft swords for the imperial court. His father, Yoshiie, was also a highly skilled swordsmith. Together, they contributed to the development of the Ichimonji school, which became one of the most significant traditions in Japanese sword-making.
Many swords from the Kamakura period were later shortened (suriage) due to changes in combat styles and restrictions imposed during the early Edo period, making original signed blades extremely rare today. This piece has been preserved as a wakizashi, with its signature intact through a technique known as orikaeshi-mei (折返銘). Orikaeshi-mei is a preservation method where the tang (nakago) is folded back during shortening, allowing the original inscription to remain visible. The presence of this technique makes this an exceptionally valuable blade, as it retains the name of a renowned Fukuoka Ichimonji swordsmith, a rarity among surviving works.
The Fukuoka Ichimonji school, along with Yoshioka Ichimonji, Kataoka Ichimonji, and Shochu Ichimonji, was part of a broader Ichimonji tradition, which included over 200 swordsmiths. Among these, Fukuoka Ichimonji was the earliest and most prestigious branch, founded in Fukuoka Village, Bizen Province (modern-day Okayama Prefecture) by Norimune (則宗). At the height of its prominence, seven swordsmiths from Fukuoka Ichimonji were selected as Gobankaji, a prestigious honor given to Japan’s finest swordsmiths, each tasked with forging one blade per month for the emperor. This distinction reflects the high regard in which the Fukuoka Ichimonji school was held. Norimune himself was part of this elite group, and today, 15 swords forged by Fukuoka Ichimonji swordsmiths are designated as National Treasures of Japan, with 7 additional blades classified as Important Cultural Properties.
The success of Fukuoka Ichimonji was largely due to the geographical advantages of Bizen Province. Located near the Chugoku Mountains, the region was rich in iron sand, an essential material for sword forging. The Yoshii River provided pure water, and the surrounding areas produced high-quality charcoal, all of which contributed to the refinement of sword-making techniques. The Bizen-den sword-making tradition is believed to have originated in the late Heian period (late 12th century), with early swordsmiths from this region known as Ko-Bizen (Old Bizen) smiths. Among them, Masatsune (正恒) was a particularly important figure and is thought to be the father of Norimune, the founder of Fukuoka Ichimonji. By inheriting and developing the techniques of Ko-Bizen swordsmiths, Fukuoka Ichimonji flourished during the Kamakura period.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Fukuoka Ichimonji swords is the Choji Midare Hamon (丁子乱刃), a beautifully intricate, irregular wavy tempering line. This elegant pattern made Fukuoka Ichimonji swords highly prized among high-ranking samurai.
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 and there is an Umegane near the tip of the sword. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)：52.5 cm (20.6 inches)
Curvature(Sori)：1.0 cm ( 0.39 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.
Many Kamakura-period swords were shortened (suriage) due to changes in combat styles and Edo-period sword regulations, making signed examples rare. This sword was originally a tachi but is now preserved as a wakizashi, with its signature retained through orikaeshi-mei. Orikaeshi-mei is a technique where the nakago (tang) is folded back during shortening to preserve the original inscription, which results in the signature appearing in reverse orientation.
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.
This fuchi-kashira features a depiction of a small bird alongside plum blossoms. While the exact species is difficult to determine, in Japan, the bird most commonly associated with plum blossoms (梅, ume) is the Japanese bush warbler (鶯, uguisu).
The combination of “plum blossoms and the warbler” (梅に鶯) is one of the most beloved pairings in traditional Japanese aesthetics, alongside “pines and cranes” (松に鶴) and “bamboo and sparrows” (竹に雀). This motif is regarded as a symbol of spring’s arrival and natural harmony and has long been featured in paintings and decorative arts.
Furthermore, since the time of the Man’yōshū (万葉集, Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry), numerous waka poems have celebrated plum blossoms and the warbler. This elegant imagery, deeply rooted in Japanese sensibilities, has been cherished by many, from Heian-period aristocrats to generations of admirers. The sight of plum blossoms heralding spring and the clear song of the warbler has long been regarded as a refined and poetic scene.
Tsuka and Menuki：Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
We assume this motif of this Menuki is the Batta (バッタ: grasshopper). It is said that grasshoppers have been regarded as a symbol of good luck, prosperity and freedom since old times. This grasshopper has golden antennae and tails.
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.
The design of this Tsuba features the Tsuta (蔦, ivy) motif, an auspicious pattern believed to bring good fortune.
The Tsuta pattern closely resembles the leaves of the Kiri (桐, paulownia) pattern. With yellow flowers in summer and red leaves in autumn, ivy has long been admired for its beauty and resilience. Since ancient times, it has been valued as an ornamental plant, appreciated for its lush appearance and vibrant seasonal changes. Due to its aesthetic significance and strong, enduring nature, the Tsuta motif came to be used in family crests, symbolizing a wish for prosperity.
Kozuka：Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu (groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).
This Kozuka (小柄) and Kougai (笄) both feature chrysanthemum (菊, kiku) motifs.
The chrysanthemum flowers are intricately crafted in relief, with gold accents enhancing their fine details. The chrysanthemum is one of Japan’s most iconic flowers, symbolizing longevity, renewal, and imperial authority. It is particularly well known as the emblem of the Japanese imperial family, having long been associated with nobility and prestige.
Kougai：Kougai is the equipment for Samurai to arrange or fix his hair style.
Saya：Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
This Saya 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 Nushi (塗師, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.
*Please keep in mind that there is visible scratch on this Saya.
Authentication Paper：NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 121886)
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 January 25th in the 3rd year of Heisei (1991). 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 : Kanagawa 67783
The Board of Education in Kanagawa 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
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.
