{"id":17675,"date":"2021-06-18T08:48:32","date_gmt":"2021-06-17T23:48:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=17675"},"modified":"2022-09-07T17:08:41","modified_gmt":"2022-09-07T08:08:41","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-yoshikado-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-yoshikado-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Yoshikado
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Yoshikado with <\/span>Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0 This blade was forged by Fujiwara Yoshikado(\u85e4\u539f\u5409\u9580) in November, the first year of the Enpo era(<\/span>1673<\/span><\/strong>: Early Edo Period), judging from the signature and the NBTHK authentication paper.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0He signed 14th-gen grandson of Seki Yoshisada Kaneyoshi Musashi no Kami Fujiwara Yoshikado(\u95a2\u5584\u5b9a\u517c\u5409\u5341\u56db\u4ee3\u5b6b\u6b66\u8535\u5b88\u85e4\u539f\u5409\u9580). <\/span>\u00a0Seki Yoshisada Kaneyoshi is a famous swordsmith from Mino province in the early Muromachi period. Yoshikado called himself the 14th-gen grandson of this great swordsmith. Musashi no kami is the title given to him for his excellent craftsmanship. While his maker\u2019s name was Fujiwara Yoshikado, his real name was Kawamura Chobei(\u5ddd\u6751\u9577\u5175\u885b).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Yoshikado was initially forging blades in Mino province and belonged to Yoshisada school. And he moved to Edo city in the third year of the Sho-O era(<\/span>1654<\/span><\/strong>), and he lived in Edo city for about 18 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 In the 12th year of the Kanbun era(<\/span>1672<\/span><\/strong>), he moved to Mito city (Ibaraki prefecture) with his brother Echizen no Kami Yoshikado(\u8d8a\u524d\u5b88\u5409\u9580) to serve Mito clan. After being hired by Mito Mitsukuni, the head of the Mito clan, Yoshikado became an apprentice of Omura Kanboku in the third year of the Enpo era(<\/span>1675<\/span><\/strong>). <\/span>\u00a0Kanboku primarily worked as a surgeon for Mito Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the Mito domain\u2019s feudal lord. Mitsukuni was a grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo government.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In the fifth year of the Enpo era(<\/span>1677<\/span><\/strong>), he received a new maker\u2019s name Bando Taro Chinsei Nyudo Toden(\u5742\u6771\u592a\u90ce\u93ae\u6b63\u5165\u9053\u30c8\u4f1d) from Mito Mitsukuni. This fact indicates that his craft was highly appreciated among the Mito clan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This sword was forged right after he moved to Mito. And since there are both signature and the year, we believe it was made for a high-class Samurai in Mito clan. It is accompanied by the beautiful Handachi(Half- Tachi style) sword mountings with gold inlay.<\/span><\/p>\n

This blade is appraised as Tokubetsu Hozon certificate issued by NBTHK. This authentication paper was only given to Japanese swords, especially worth preserving by Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai(the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword).<\/p>\n

\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a\u00a0 66.5 cm( 26.2 inches)<\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 2.2 cm(0.86\u00a0 inches)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

For more detailed measurement of the blade\/sword mounting<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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

\"\" \"\"
\n\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

The golden lines make the symmetrical design. Although the gold has already been flaked off partly due to aging, it remains in good condition overall and fulfills its role as a gorgeous exterior. The pattern itself is pretty simple yet beautifully tightens the entire design of the handle. You would also feel the maker’s high sense in combination with the design of Menuki (about Menuki, please check the photos and explication below).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Tsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

This Menuki’s motif might be Hokuto Shichisei (\u5317\u6597\u4e03\u661f, the Big Dipper, the Plough). It is the seven stars included in the constellation Ursa Major in the northern sky. It was named because its shape looks similar to a dipper. These stars have been used for measuring time and as a guide for voyages since ancient times. Also, people thought the Big Dipper controls the fate of humans and the country along with the Polestar.<\/p>\n

The Big Dipper was enshrined in the palace. However, the ritual in the Imperial court was a secret and did not spread to the private sector. Instead, a theory says it was esoteric Buddhism monks and practitioners who spread this faith to the private sector to meet the people’s demands. This worship was already popular in the Nara period. After the Heian period, private Onmyoji (\u9670\u967d\u5e2b, a professional practitioner of Japanese occultism) appeared and spread this faith. The reason why it became popular is, people believed, “If you pray to the Big Dipper and the Polestar, you can avoid any disaster and obtain a healthy and long life.”<\/p>\n

This Menuki work, which seems to be a combination of the crescent moon and the Big Dipper, may also show this religious belief.<\/p>\n

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

Yotsu-Mokkou-shaped Tsuba made from iron. Mokkou (\u6728\u74dc) shape, its origin is a shape of eggs that are rest in a nest. When a quince (it is written \u6728\u74dc in Japanese) is cut into round slices, its cross-section looks similar to this shape; therefore, it was named Mokkougata Tsuba. Yotsu-Mokkougata (a combination of four Mokkou shapes) Tsuba is often seen as this Tsuba is categorized.<\/p>\n

Mainly, the combination of Karakusa (\u5510\u8349, arabesque) and lotus flower patterns decorate this Tsuba. The Karakusa pattern is a design 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.<\/p>\n

The lotus is revered in Buddhism. Nyorai (\u5982\u6765, Buddha, Tathagata) is standing on the pedestal made of this flower. It was thought that the appearance of beautiful flowers blooming in the mudy water symbolized the Buddha. Unlike the Buddha’s pedestal, lotus flowers designed in this Tsuba do not have eight petals. However, as evidenced by the seriousness of the owner’s faith from the design of the Big Dipper, we would like to guess that a religious plant pattern was selected in this work as well.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSaya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0NBTHK<\/a><\/span><\/span>, 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 Feb 25th in the 3rd year of Reiwa (2021). 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<\/span><\/a><\/span> for your record if you request.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Registration Number : <\/span>Hyogo<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span> 115198<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Board of Education in Hyogo prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword . It is called Jyu Token Rui Torokusho(\u9283\u5200\u5263\u985e\u767b\u9332\u8a3c). Bunkacho(The Agency for Cultural Affairs) acknowledges a Japanese sword with this paper as a work of art.
\nThe 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.
\nThis 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

—————————————————————–<\/p>\n

\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

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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

\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>
\nWe accept payment through Stripe <\/strong>(Credit card), PayPal<\/strong>, 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. <\/span>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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u3010Shipping\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, Canada, Mexico, 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

\"\"<\/p>\n

\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

\u3010How To Contact Us\u3011<\/strong>
\nPlease 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.<\/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>.
\n\"\"<\/p>\n