{"id":24502,"date":"2022-02-03T17:06:40","date_gmt":"2022-02-03T08:06:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=24502"},"modified":"2022-10-31T14:00:51","modified_gmt":"2022-10-31T05:00:51","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-attributed-to-norimitsunbthk-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-attributed-to-norimitsunbthk-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Attributed to Norimitsu
NBTHK Hozon<\/span> Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Attributed to Norimitsu with NBTHK Hozon<\/span> Certificate<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0This blade is attributed to Bishu Osafune Norimitsu (\u5099\u5dde\u9577\u8239\u5247\u5149) by NBTHK. While the remaining signature is Bishu Osa, NBTHK appraised it as a work of Norimitsu judging from the characteristic of the blade. Bishu\uff08\u5099\u5dde\uff09is a larger area in today\u2019s Okayama\uff06Hiroshima prefecture. Bishu consists of Bizen(\u5099\u524d), Bitchu\uff08\u5099\u4e2d\uff09 and Bingo (\u5099\u5f8c). It is said that Norimitsu lived in Bizen province, and Osafune was one of the most prestigious schools in the Bishu area during the Muromachi period (Early 14th-Early 16th century).<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0The swordsmith name Norimitsu lasted more than ten generations from the late Kamakura period to the end of the Muromachi period. The first-gen Norimitsu is said to have been a student of Nagamitsu (\u9577\u5149), the son of Mitsutada (\u5149\u5fe0), who was a founder of Bizen Osafune school. The first-gen Norimitsu was active during 1303-1306 (Late Kamakura Period). The most famous Norimitsu was the 4th gen (1429-1441) and the 6th gen (1467-1487). According to NBTHK, this blade was approximately made in the early-mid Muromachi period. Considering that, it is attributed to the later-gen Norimitsu.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The swordsmiths who belonged to the Osafune school in Bizen produced many swords during the Muromachi period because Japan was in the middle of the Sengoku period(Warring state period). The demand for weapons increased among strong feudal lords. It would be nice to have a piece forged in the warring state period when there was so much rivalry between warlords.<\/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 to forge 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 after the late Heian era(Late 12th century ).<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0This blade is appraised as a Hozon Token(\u4fdd\u5b58\u5200\u5263) issued by NBTHK(Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:\u65e5\u672c\u7f8e\u8853\u5200\u5263\u4fdd\u5b58\u5354\u4f1a). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, well preserved with artistic value.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u3010Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a\u00a0 54.3 cm(<\/strong><\/span> 21.4 inches)<\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 1.7\u00a0<\/strong>cm( 0.67 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 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.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This Fuchi Kashira has a simple look and is colored glossy black color. You would find minor damages due to aging. It shows us its history. We hope you enjoy it as an antique texture.\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 Saru (\u733f, monkey) is the motif of this Menuki. Although some coloring has already peeled off due to aging, it looks it was initially colored with golden paint gorgeously. Generally speaking, as we know, monkeys belong to the same primates as us humans. So it is considered to be the closest animal to humans. Probably, it is why monkeys have often been personified in pictures and stories since ancient times. According to a theory, in China, the monkey has been regarded as a messenger of God. People believed that monkeys would protect horses, so they kept monkeys as stable guardians. People worshiped the monkey\u2019s sacred power, and this animal was considered an auspicious existence. This idea was introduced from the continent to Japan. So we could imagine that Samurais also treated this animal motif as a unique item. It is said there are not many sword mountings that the monkey is designed. We would say its rarity enhances the value of this work.\u00a0<\/span>
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Kougai<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aKougai is the equipment for Samurai to arrange or fix his hair style. It is stored in the Kougai Hitsu (groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0This Kougai’s design is similar to the Menuki. Animals that are engraved for this Kougai are probably also monkeys.\u00a0<\/span>
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Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This Saya is coated with stingray skin, which adds gorgeous look. This Koshirae doesn’t have a Tsuba (handguard), which is called Aikuchi Koshirae.
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Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade (No.325509)<\/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 October 20th in the third year of Heisei (1990). 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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Registration Number :\u00a0<\/span> Chiba 044142<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0The Board of Education in Chiba 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.
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\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