on the right corner of the photo.Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Yoshinao with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
【Description】
This blade was signed by Horikawa ju Yoshinao (堀川住吉直).
He was one of the swordsmiths belonging to the Horikawa school (堀川派), which was active in Kyoto during the early Shintō period (late 16th to early 17th century). The Horikawa school was founded by Horikawa Kunihiro (堀川国広), who is regarded as the originator of the early Shintō style of sword forging. Yoshinao is thought to have worked in Kyoto under the influence of Kunihiro and his followers.
The Horikawa school gathered many skilled smiths from across Japan, and their techniques and teachings later spread to Edo, Osaka, and Echizen, forming the foundation of early Edo-period sword-making. Yoshinao is recorded as one of the smiths who carried on this Kyoto-based tradition during its most active period, working under the name “Horikawa ju” (resident of Horikawa), indicating his workshop location in Kyoto.
Horimono (Engraving)
This blade features beautiful engravings on both sides. On one side, you can see a Sankozuka-ken (三鈷柄剣), and on the other, a Suken (素剣).
The Suken is a simplified form of the Sankozuka-ken, a ritual sword associated with Fudō Myō-ō (不動明王, Acalanātha), one of the principal deities in esoteric Buddhism. This type of sword is used in esoteric Buddhist practices such as prayer, meditation, purification rituals, and as a protective talisman. It is believed that the sword possesses the power to ward off evil spirits.
About Horikawa Kunihiro (堀川国広)
Horikawa Kunihiro (堀川国広, active around 1580–1620) was the founder of the Horikawa school, a major center of sword production in Kyoto during the early Shintō period.
Originally from Yamashiro province (Kyoto), Kunihiro studied under Umetada Myōjū (埋忠明寿) and later established his own workshop in the Horikawa area of Kyoto, from which the school takes its name. Kunihiro trained many skilled swordsmiths who later spread throughout Japan, bringing Kyoto-style Shintō techniques to regions such as Edo, Osaka, and Echizen. His students and followers laid the foundation for the Shintō period of Japanese sword-making, and his name remains highly respected among sword connoisseurs.
One of the most famous works attributed to Horikawa Kunihiro is the sword known as “Yamanbagiri Kunihiro” (山姥切国広). This blade was originally forged for the Ashikaga family and later came into the possession of the Hōjō clan and various daimyo during the Edo period. It is now preserved as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and is regarded as one of Kunihiro’s finest masterpieces. The name “Yamanbagiri” (山姥切, Mountain Hag Cutter) derives from a legend in which the sword was said to have cut down a yamanba—a mythical mountain witch.
While the story is apocryphal, the name symbolizes the sword’s formidable sharpness and strength. Today, Yamanbagiri Kunihiro is one of the most well-known swords in Japan, often featured in museums and popular media, and serves as a representative example of Horikawa Kunihiro’s artistry and technical excellence.
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 is a couple of Kitae Kizu on the blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length (Nagasa):30.3 cm (11.9 inches)
Curvature (Sori): 0.0 cm (0.0 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.
This fuchi-kashira features a dragon motif rendered in gold inlay, matching the menuki, creating a strong sense of unity and coherence in the overall design.
Tsuka and Menuki：Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
The motif of this Menuki is a dragon (龍, Ryū).
The dragon was originally an imaginary creature from ancient Chinese traditions and myths. It is considered a symbolic beast of auspicious signs. Its body is described as a combination of nine animals: antlers of a deer, the head of a camel, eyes of a demon, the neck of a snake, the belly of a Mizuchi (a Japanese mythical creature resembling a horned, four-legged serpent), scales of a fish, claws of a falcon, palms of a tiger, and ears of a cow. Because of this extraordinary form, the dragon was believed to reign at the top of all creatures.
In ancient China, dragon motifs were used exclusively for the emperor’s clothing, with strict rules regarding the design and even the number of claws. In Japan, however, such rigid regulations did not exist, and the dragon motif was widely used while still retaining its meaning as an all-purpose auspicious design.
In addition, in Japan the dragon is also revered as a water deity, known as Ryūjin Shinkō (竜神信仰). Since rice cultivation has always depended on water, the dragon became a familiar and powerful symbol deeply connected to Japanese life and culture.
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 features an elegant floral motif rendered in high-relief carving (高彫り, takabori). The design depicts blooming flowers, leaves, and flowing vines arranged asymmetrically along one side of the plate, creating a graceful and refined impression. Such natural motifs were popular among Edo-period artisans, symbolizing beauty, vitality, and the changing of the seasons.
The surface of the plate shows a textured background of nanako-ji (魚々子地). Nanako-ji is a decorative metalworking technique in which countless tiny, evenly spaced dots are punched onto the surface, creating a fine, shimmering texture that resembles fish eggs. This background enhances contrast and highlights the carved motifs placed above it.
Kozuka: Kozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).
This kozuka features two traditional Japanese family crests (kamon): the Gosan-no-Kiri (五三の桐, Gosan-no-Kiri) and the Mitsudomoe (三つ巴, Mitsudomoe).
The Gosan-no-Kiri crest (五三の桐, Gosan-no-Kiri), recognizable by its stylized paulownia leaves and blossom clusters, has long been associated with authority and high status in Japan. It was historically used by imperial families and later adopted by the Toyotomi clan and even the Japanese government as a symbol of prestige.
The Mitsudomoe crest (三つ巴, Mitsudomoe), composed of three swirling comma-like shapes, is an ancient symbol often linked to Shinto shrines, protection, and dynamic spiritual power. It is also used by many samurai families and represents motion, unity, and spiritual energy.
Together, these motifs highlight both cultural symbolism and refined craftsmanship, making this kozuka a meaningful and decorative piece of traditional Japanese sword furniture.
Saya：Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.
This scabbard 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 Nurushi (塗師, lacquerers) was born precisely because advanced techniques were required to handle the complicated processes.
Authentication Paper: NBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1018918)
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 4h 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: Saitama 48327
The Board of Education in Saitama prefecture 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.
