The Art of Nihonto – Guide to collecting Japanese swords

The Art of Nihonto – Guide to buying the Japanese sword

Preface

Samurai’s history is a profound, eloquent legacy of ancient Japanese warriors in which millions of people worldwide are being fascinated. Samurais themselves played the most significant role in this thing- They went from the imperial army to reconstructing the whole system and reigning Samurai’s country for over seven centuries. Thus, one of their primary weapons, Katana (Japanese sword), began to have many important meanings attached as times went on. Katana is still deemed one of Samurai’s most significant cultural heritage in today’s Japanese culture.

To those who have yet to discover the real value of the Japanese sword “Katana,” – this article is for you.

Katana is beautiful

The Japanese sword is the kind of art that has grown over history. Swordsmiths over the years would make minimal changes to the blade’s curvature, the Hamon, length, width, and all the other detailed features to please the sword’s owner and let the sword hold its own identity. That is why Katana has become so beautiful. In every part of the blade, you see the swordsmith’s intent and Samurai’s love and aspiration for Katana.

Attention to Detail

Above brings us to the next part; the detail. It gets more important as you learn more about Katana. The blade’s significant features such as Hamon, the size, type of curvature, other segments such as the handguard, the grip, the scabbard, and the list goes on and on. One can only build a gem-worthy Katana when all these segments are put together deliberately. To see the monument of tremendous work by the swordsmith – It is legitimately an eye-opening experience every time you learn something from it.

Style

Blacksmiths regarding Katana were known to have had individual styles in their work. The five most popular ones were Yamato-Den, Soshu-Den, Mino-Den, Yamashiro-Den, and Bizen-Den, branching out to countless other swordsmith schools.

They differed in the blade’s design, the texture of metal, shape, etc.

Katana Is the Reflection of Samurai’s Life

Last but the most significant of all, Katana represent Samurai’s lives in the past era. The signs and artworks in Katana are believed to have been based on people’s religious/philosophical views. If you take a close look at it, you can tell that every Katana has a story to tell.

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Here are some of our customers who have purchased a Katana at Samurai Museum Shop in the past.

Here are some ways our customers appreciate their Japanese swords.

Here we call it for the introduction. If you are ready to get a Katana, we are happy to assist you as much as you need.

Samurai Museum Shop
Address:2-25-6 Kabukicho Shinjuku-ku Tokyo Japan 160-0021
Email: order@samuraimuseum.jp
TEL:+81 3 6457 6411

Category	Katana( SHIN SHIN TO)
Age	The third year of Bunkyu era(1863: the end of the Edo period)
Swordsmith	Naniwa Jyu Gassan Sadayoshi(浪花住月山貞吉)
Certificate	NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
Location	Osaka
Blade Size	Length: 78.8 cm( 31.0 inches), Curvature: 0.7 cm( 0.275 inches)

Category	Katana( SHINTO)
Age	Early Edo Period(Late 17th century)
Swordsmith	Awataguchi Omi no kami Tadatsuna(粟田口近江守忠綱)
Certificate	NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
Location	Settsu Koku (Today’s Osaka)
Blade Size	Length: 73.0 cm(28.74 inches), Curvature:1.0 cm( 0.39 inches)

Category	Katana( SHINTO)
Age	Tenwa era(1681-1684: early Edo period)
Swordsmith	Ikeda Kijinmaru Kunishige(池田鬼神丸国重)
Certificate	NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
Location	Settsu province (Today’s Osaka)
Blade Size	Length: 64.8 cm( 25.5 inches), Curvature:0.8 cm(0.31 inches)

Category	Katana( SHIN SHIN TO)
Age	the first year of the Genji era(1864: End of Edo period)
Swordsmith	Bizen Osafune Yokoyama Sukekane(備前長船横山祐包)
Certificate	NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
Location	Bizen province (Today’s Okayama prefecture)
Blade Size	Length: 74.6 cm(29.4 inches), Curvature:1.6cm( 0.63 inches)

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The Art of Nihonto – Guide to collecting Japanese swords

The List of Japanese Swords for Sale