{"id":16308,"date":"2021-04-29T23:46:04","date_gmt":"2021-04-29T14:46:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=16308"},"modified":"2022-09-07T15:24:04","modified_gmt":"2022-09-07T06:24:04","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-kunishigenbthk-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-kunishigenbthk-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kunishige
NBTHK Hozon<\/span> Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Kunishige with NBTHK Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This blade was forged by Bitchu Koku Mizuta Jyu Kunishige(\u5099\u4e2d\u56fd\u6c34\u7530\u4f4f\u56fd\u91cd).
\nKunishige belonged to Bitchu Koku Mizuta school, which had been founded by the descendants of Ko AOE Tametsugu(\u53e4\u9752\u6c5f\u70ba\u6b21) in the late Muromachi period(1530-).<\/p>\n

Tametsugu is one of the most famous swordsmiths in the late Heian period-early Kamakura period(Late 12C-Early 13C). One of his works is designated as a national treasure of Japan.
\nAOE(\u9752\u6c5f) is the name of the school Tametsugu belonged, and it was located in Kurashiki city, Okayama prefecture today. AOE school was prosperous during the Kamakura-Nanbokucho era(-Late 12C-Late 14C), but it almost disappeared in the Muromachi period. However, because of the descendants of Tametsugu, the Ko AOE-style sword became popular again revitalized the school by changing its name to Botchu Koku Mizuta school.<\/p>\n

The Bitchu koku Mizuta school flourished from 1530-1700(The end of the Sengoku period to the mid-Edo period). There were about 60 swordsmiths who signed as Kunishige from this school. During the Edo period, many Kunishige swordsmiths moved to other parts of Japan.<\/p>\n

There are two major groups in Kunishige swordsmiths during the Edo period. One is called Oyogo Kunishige school(\u5927\u4e0e\u4e94\u56fd\u91cd\u6d3e), lead by Master Otsuki\uff08\u5927\u6708\uff09and the other is called Kono school(\u6cb3\u91ce\u6d3e) lead by Tameie(\u70ba\u5bb6).<\/p>\n

This blade has Kanji inscription on both sides, and they are likely to be Bonji(\u68b5\u5b57: Sanscrit letters).<\/p>\n

This sword has a Hozon certificate issued by NBTHK. This authentication paper was only given to Japanese swords, worth preserving by Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai(the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword). The blade also comes with a beautiful set of Katana style Koshirae.<\/p>\n

\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a\u00a0 69.3 cm(<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 27.3 inches)<\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 1.4 <\/strong>cm(0.55\u00a0 inches)<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>
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Hamon<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a
\nThe crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process<\/strong>
\nJimon(Jihada)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a
\nvisible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Nakago<\/strong>\uff1aNakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang on purpose to prevent red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, which is a great indicator for a Japanese sword specialist to estimate when the sword was forged.<\/p>\n

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Horimono:\u00a0<\/strong>Horimono is an inscription or sculpture on Japanese swords.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u3010Other Details\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Koshirae:\u00a0Koshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya(Sabbard), Tsuka(Handle), Tsuba(Handguard).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Fuchi-Kashira<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aA pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Kagome (\u7c60\u76ee) pattern is designed for this Fuchi Kashira. As a design, Kagome means a mesh of baskets made from bamboo or a continuous grid of braid. It looks like a group of hexagram shapes. Each pattern is composed of a star-shaped figure of equilateral triangles. Some people believed this motif had the power to exorcise evil spirits; therefore, the Kagome pattern has been used as a talisman. Since ancient times in Japan, people have considered that evil spirits and monsters do not like being gazed at by eyes. As the Kagome pattern gaps are regarded as \u201ceyes,\u201d people once thought of this design\u2019s sacred power. Also, some families used the Kagome pattern for their family crests.\u00a0<\/span>
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\nTsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Karajishi (\u5510\u7345\u5b50) is the motif of this Menuki. The golden metal is applied to it. The Shishi (\u7345\u5b50) means a lion in Japanese, and Kara-Jishi is a lion brought from China to Japan in the Toh period (\u5510, Tang dynasty, 618-907). The Kara-Jishi typically has curly hair for its head, neck, body, and the tale. In Buddhism, Kara-Jishi is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, and Monju Bosatu (\u6587\u6b8a\u83e9\u85a9, Manjushri Bodhisattva) rides lions. According to a theory, Kara-Jishi originates from Komainu (\u72db\u72ac, stone guardian dogs that exorcize evil spirits).<\/span>
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\nTsuba and Habaki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuba 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.<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Antique iron Tsuba that has Kozuka and Kougai holes. The Ume (\u6885, Japanese apricot blossom) is designed for this Tsuba. Some of the Ume flowers have already bloomed, and twigs have several buds. This Tsuba’s irregular-shaped outline might express the shape of a branch of this flower. Japanese apricot blossoms begin to bloom in winter that snow covers its tree. So, this flower tells the arrival of spring. It has been appreciated for a long time ago in Japan. People enjoy its adorable petal shape and scent, gracefully branched tree, and compose many poems. As it comes out in the cold season, it symbolizes the power of perseverance and vitality.<\/span>
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\nSaya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aSaya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword. <\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Please keep in mind that there are some parts whose lacquer came off due to aging. Please feel free to contact us if you like to know the detailed condition.
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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0NBTHK<\/span><\/a>, 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 Nov 9th in the second year of Reiwa (2020). They appraised it as Hozon Touken, the blade 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<\/span><\/a> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n

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JASMK Certificate was issued by Japan Art Museum of Kurashiki in Okayama prefecture where Bizen province is located.<\/p>\n

It says the detailed information about the sword such as the age, maker, style and so forth.<\/p>\n

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Registration Number : <\/span>\u00a0Kagawa 10675<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0The Board of Education in Kanagawa prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword . In order to obtain this paper, the sword needs to be traditionally hand forged. With this paper, its owner can legally own an authentic Japanese sword in Japan. This paper will need to be returned to the board of education when the sword being shipped abroad but you can receive a copy of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Japanese Sword& Export Process<\/strong>\u3011<\/span>
\n\u00a0 The Japanese swords we deal with are hand-forged edged swords made in Japan. It was made from the traditional carbon steel called TAMAHAGANE(\u7389\u92fc)<\/span><\/a>. 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 300 Japanese swords to amazing owners who appreciate its historical value. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 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.
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\u00a0 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<\/strong> to receive this permit after submitting required documents. And we would like you to expect at least 1-1.5 months<\/strong> for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered. For more detailed info, please click here<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u3010Payment Method\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0 We accept payment through Stripe(Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. 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, EUR <\/strong>or GBP<\/strong>. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u3010Shipping\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0 We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, UK, Germany , France and Hong Kong<\/strong><\/span>. 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<\/strong><\/span> as long as we can send antique Japanese swords by either EMS or FedEx(Canada).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 We normally ship by<\/span> EMS<\/strong>(Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. When we receive an order from the Canada we will use <\/span>FedEx<\/strong> instead as EMS temporarily stops shipping from Japan to those countries due to COVID-19.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 We will send you a tracking number for your order as soon as we hand it to the post office\/FedEx. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 *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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u3010How to make sure the condition\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0 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.<\/span> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010The Art of Nihonto(Japanese Sword)<\/strong>\u3011
\nSamurai’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.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u3010A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance<\/strong>\u3011<\/span>
\n\u00a0 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. When you purchase a Japanese sword from us, you can get a Free<\/span><\/strong> sword maintenance kit, which appears in this video<\/span>.
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