{"id":23395,"date":"2022-06-15T08:37:33","date_gmt":"2022-06-14T23:37:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=23395"},"modified":"2022-11-11T16:33:10","modified_gmt":"2022-11-11T07:33:10","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-bizen-osafune-tomomitsu-nthk-kanteisho-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-attributed-to-bizen-osafune-tomomitsu-nthk-kanteisho-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Bizen Osafune Tomomitsu
NTHK Kanteisho Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Bizen Osafune Tomomitsu with NTHK Kanteisho<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Swordsmith<\/strong>
\n\u00a0This blade is attributed to Bizen Osafune Tomomitsu (\u5099\u524d\u9577\u8239\u502b\u5149) during the Joji era (1362-1368: Nanbokucho era) according to the NTHK\u2019s appraisal. Bizen is the name of the province located in Today\u2019s Okayama prefecture, and Osafune is the name of the prestigious school. Tomomitsu is also known as Rintomo among Japanese sword collectors.<\/span>
\nTomimitsu was active in sword forging during 1345-1375, and he is one of the most highly-regarded swordsmiths in Bizen province.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It is said that Tomomitsu was an apprentice of Kanemitsu, one of the most skilled swordsmiths in Japanese sword history. One of Tomitsu\u2019s works is designated as a national treasure of Japan. Two of them are specified as Important Cultural Property of Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The tang of this blade has Tanzaku Mei. Tanzaku Mei is a kind of signature that was cut from the original tang when the blade was shortened (Suriage). Instead of just cutting the signature part of the blade, it was embedded in the tang. It was named after a Japanese strip of paper (Tanzaku) because the shape of the signature resembles it. While this signature is no longer legible, based on the characteristic of the blade and other factors, NTHK attributes it to the work of Tomomitsu.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0When this blade was forged, Japan had a tumultuous time called the Nanbokucho period. The imperial court was split into two sides(south and north). There were so many conflicts, and the trend in battlefields among Samurai was to use a surprisingly long sword. This blade doesn\u2019t look massive today, but we assume it used to be quite a long sword based on the tang\u2019s shape.<\/span><\/p>\n

This History of Bizen Osafune School<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0It is said that Osafune school was founded by Mitsutada (\u5149\u5fe0), who was active during the mid-Kamakura period. Bizen Osafune school was the biggest one of all other schools in Bizen province, and they received many orders from feudal lords or renowned Samurai. They were called Osafunemono and beloved by Samurai warriors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Among the swordsmiths who belonged to this school, Nagamitsu, Sanenaga, and Kagemitsu are known as Osafune Sansaku, the three renowned Osafune swordsmiths. There are also four other prominent swordsmiths who were from Bizen Osafune school. They are called Osafune Shiten-no, the four masters of Osafune school. Their names are Nagamitsu, Kanemitsu, Nagayoshi, and Motoshige.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0BIZEN is located near the Chugoku Mountains, where iron sands, one of the essential materials for making Japanese swords, were abundant. Furthermore, BIZEN swordsmiths had close access to Yoshi River, where they could find water and charcoal. This geological location contributed to the swordsmiths forging high-quality refined blades. We presume BIZEN was quite active in sword-forging from ancient times. It is said that BIZEN DEN was created by groups of swordsmiths there during the late Heian era (Late 12th century ). These ancient swordsmiths in Bizen province are called Ko-Bizen (Old Bizen) swordsmiths. By inheriting the sword forging techniques from Ko-Bizen swordsmiths, the Bizen Osafune school flourished from the mid-Kamakura period.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Horimono<\/strong>
\n\u00a0You can find a Tsurugi (Double-edged blade) Horimono at the bottom of the blade.<\/span>
\nThis might be Kurikaraken. Kurikara-Ken (\u5036\u5229\u4f3d\u7f85\u5263) is the sword that Fudo Myo-O (\u4e0d\u52d5\u660e\u738b, acalan\u0101tha) holds with his right hand(you can see it on the tang part). Fudo Myo-O is one of the objects of worship in Buddhism. According to a theory, it is the incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai (\u5927\u65e5\u5982\u6765, Ma<\/span>h\u0101vairocana, the principal image of esoteric Buddhism). Kurikara-ken was named due to its appearance that Kurikara Ryu-O (\u5036\u5229\u4f3d\u7f85\u9f8d\u738b, dragon) is winding around the sword. It is believed Kurikara-Ken could cut off worldly desires: Sandoku (\u4e09\u6bd2). Sandoku is the three fundamental earthly desires; Ton (\u8caa, greed), Jin (\u778b, anger, grudge), Chi (\u7661, delusion, complaint).<\/p>\n

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\u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 73.7 cm( 29.0 inches)<\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 2.7 cm (1.06 inches)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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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><\/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

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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

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

Dragons are designed for this Fuchi Kashira. The golden paint is applied to these dragons and remains its shiny color. Although there are tiny damages due to aging, you could see details such as each scale and nail. The surface of this Fuchi Kashira is decorated with the Nanako-Ji (\u9b5a\u5b50\u5730) technique. You see delicate fish egg-shaped protrusions. These dots were made by hitting with the Nanako-Ji Tagane (\u9b5a\u5b50\u5730\u93e8, chisel used for this technique), and it gives decorativeness for the work.
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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

Same as the Fuchi Kashira, this Menuki\u2019s motif is also the dragon. You would find its figure from the gaps of the Tsukamaki thread. Initially, the dragon is an imaginary creature found in ancient traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbol of auspicious signs. Its body is likened to nine animals: antlers are deer, the head is a camel, eyes are demons, the neck is a snake, belly is the Mizuchi (\u86df, mythical animal in Japan which looks like a snake and have a horn and four legs), scales are fish, claws are falcons, palms are tigers, and ears are cows. It was thought that the dragon would reign at the top of all animals because of its odd-looking appearance.
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\n<\/b>Tsuba and Habaki<\/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><\/span><\/p>\n

Oval-shaped Tsuba that has Kozuka and Kougai holes. Now you realize that this sword\u2019s Koshirae is composed of the dragon motif. By using the same design, the entire appearance of Koshirae has unity. In this Tsuba, waves and clouds surround the dragon. The combination of the dragon and waves, or clouds, both two combinations are often seen as a design. It might be related to religion. In Japan, there is a belief that worships a dragon as a water god. Since rice cultivation flourished in this country, water has always been an essential resource. It is thought that dragons dwell in the clouds, and clouds would bring blessed rain. Therefore, this beast was associated with waves (water) and clouds. Understandably, the dragon motif has been familiar to Japanese people since long ago.
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\nSaya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>
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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNTHK Kanteisho Certificate for the blade<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

NTHK<\/span><\/a>, also known as NPO Nihon Touken Hozon Kai, is the oldest organization for sword authentication of Japanese swords in modern times. It was established in 1889 during the post-Samurai era. They authenticated the blade on December 12nd, the 3rd year of Reiwa (2021). The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span> for your record if you request.<\/p>\n

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Registration Number : <\/span>Hokkaido 12444<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Board of Education in Hokkaido 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

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\u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0Samurai 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\u00a0The 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 400 Japanese swords for the past three years (\uff5e2022) to amazing owners who appreciate its historical value. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Each 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

\u00a0To 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

\u00a0It is allo<\/span>wed 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, CAD,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

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* If the amount is above 1 million JPY, Stripe or wire transfer will be the only options for payment.<\/p>\n

\u3010Shipping\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, France, Hong Kong and Australia<\/span><\/a><\/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).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We normally ship by EMS<\/strong>(Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. When we receive an order from the Canada we will use FedEx<\/strong> instead as EMS temporarily stops shipping from Japan to those countries due to COVID-19.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We 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

\u00a0It 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

* If you live in Australia and like to purchase an authentic Japanese sword, please click here<\/span><\/span> <\/a>to know the detail.<\/strong><\/p>\n

*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\u00a0Please 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>
\n\u00a0Please 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 w<\/span>ebsite. 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
\n\u00a0Samurai’s history is a profound, eloquent legacy of ancient Japanese warriors in which millions of people worldwide are being fascinated. If y<\/span>ou 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\u00a0After 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.<\/span><\/p>\n