Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Hirokuni with <\/span>Tokubetsu Hozon<\/span> <\/span>Certificate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u3010Description\u3011<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Summary<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0Hirokuni was the maker\u2019s name used by Harima Daijyo Teruhiro<\/strong> (\u64ad\u78e8\u5927\u63be\u8f1d\u5e83) at the beginning of his career.\u00a0<\/span>The swordsmith name Teruhiro was the hereditary name and lasted for the 14th generation during the Edo period. Hirokuni was considered the 6th-generation, and his birth name was Hirazaemon. He succeeded his master\u2019s name (5th-gen Teruhiro) and received an honorable official title of Harima Daijo in the 6th year of the Genroku era (1693).<\/span><\/p>\n The first-gen Teruhiro<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0He firstly learned Mino DEN, a particular sword-forging style created in Mino province. He then became an apprentice of Umeda Myoju (\u57cb\u5fe0\u660e\u5bff), a renowned sword maker in Kyoto during the late Muromachi-early Edo period. He was able to master superb craftsmanship.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0He is famous for having served Fukushima Masanori(\u798f\u5cf6\u6b63\u5247), a powerful feudal lord in Owari province (today\u2019s Aichi prefecture). After Masanori relocated to Akino province (today\u2019s Hiroshima prefecture), the first-gen Teruhiro also followed him. He started to serve Asano clan after Fukushima Masanori was deceased in Akino province. Since then, the swordsmith name lasted 14th generations and prospered throughout the Edo period. <\/span>Considering the prestigious background of this school, we believe the 6th-gen Teruhiro was also a highly skilled sword maker.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n This blade is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> Token(\u7279\u5225\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, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u3010 Blade\u3011<\/span><\/strong> <\/p>\n Hamon<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Black Rust<\/strong><\/span> : There are a couple of black rust spots on the Shinogi Ji part right above the Nakago.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nakago<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNakago is the tang of the Japanese sword. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Japanese swords<\/span>miths 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 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 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 \u00a0This Fuchi Kashira is decorated with autumn flowers motifs such as chrysanthemum or bush clover. The golden paint is applied to these flowers, and this coloring makes a gorgeous appearance of this work. In Japan, there is a group of plants that represent this season; it is called the Aki-no Nanakusa (\u79cb\u306e\u4e03\u8349, the seven flowers of autumn). Bush clover are included in it. Other plants are Japanese pampas grass, Japanese bellflower, kudzu vine, etcetera. Japanese people have enjoyed these plants\u2019 looks and have used them as medicinal herbs. For example, a long time ago, the chrysanthemum was used as a medicine for obtaining a long life, and it was brought to Japan from the Continent with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). As mentioned above, the chrysanthemum symbolizes fall, and Japanese people have appreciated it very much since ancient times. As its petals form radially, the chrysanthemum has been likened to the sun. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This Menuki\u2019s motif is a combination of birds and plants. As these plants look similar to flowers designed for the Fuchi Kashira, we think this Menuki\u2019s design also symbolizes autumn. And birds are probably Uzura (\u9d89, quail). Quails come to Japan in the autumn and live in groups on rice fields. It was supposed to represent an autumn scene, and people have appreciated this bird since a long time ago. Therefore, the combination of quails and autumn plants was cherished, as you see in this Menuki. According to a theory,\u00a0 Samurai families and Daimyos (\u5927\u540d, a Japanese feudal lord) started keeping quails since the Muromachi period (1336-1573). People loved its charming cry, and it could be heard as \u201cGo Kiccho (\u5fa1\u5409\u5146, a sign of good things).\u201d So that they regarded the quail as an auspicious bird and used it before battles to keep the gods on their side; in the Edo period, raising quails became general among ordinary people. This history shows how this bird was familiar with then Japanese people, of course including Samurais.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0This Tsuba\u2019s edge is framed with a thin metal plate. This technique gives a decorativeness for the work, and also it has a practicality to protect the Tsuba from damages.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0About the design, both sides depict a combination of birds and plants. It is the same type of theme as the Menuki. The front looks like autumn scenery because of motifs: autumn plants, birds (estimated wild geese), and the moon. At the backside, a hawk is standing on the pine tree branch. A hawk is an intelligent bird used for hunting, called falconry. It was famous as a recreation among high-class Samurais. In the old days, it was also familiar with emperors and royal families, so it might be why the hawk was regarded as a symbol of the ruler\u2019s authority. During the warring period, the boy\u2019s success was to become an excellent Samurai; therefore, it has been thought that men (Samurai) and the hawk had a deep connection as a symbol of advancement and authority. Many Samurais loved this design based on that reason. Understandably, this bird motif was incorporated into sword mountings.<\/span><\/p>\n Kozuka<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aKozuka is a small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu(groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword).<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0A Kogatana (\u5c0f\u5200, small knife) is stored into the Kozuka. This Kozuka\u2019s design is quite similar to the Fuchi Kashira. Gold coloring remains relatively in good condition and keeps its gorgeousness. Now, when you see the entire of this sword\u2019s Koshirae, you will find it is unified with autumn motifs. We hope you will enjoy this Koshirae\u2019s elegant look with the blade.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span> Saya<\/strong><\/span>\uff1a Saya is the scabbard for the Japanese sword.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aNBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate (No.1015274)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\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 May 24th in the 3rd year of Reiwa (2021). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Hozon Touken, the blade especially worth preserving for Japanese society. It had been appraised as Tokubetsu Kicho Token, an old form of the certificate as well. The purchaser will receive these original certificates. 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 Registration Number : <\/span><\/strong><\/span>Gunma 56356<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The Board of Education in Gunma 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. <\/p>\n —————————————————————–<\/p>\n \u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong> \u3010Japanese Sword& Export Process<\/strong>\u3011<\/span> \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. \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 allowed for re<\/span>sidents 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> * 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><\/p>\n \u00a0We have shipped authentic Japanese swords to the USA, Canada, Mexico, UK, 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<\/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.\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 \u3010How to make sure the condition\u3011<\/strong><\/span> \u3010The Art of Nihonto(Japanese Sword)<\/strong>\u3011 \u3010A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance<\/span><\/strong>\u3011<\/span>
\n\u00a0 This blade was signed by Geishu Jyu Fujiwara Hirokuni (\u82b8\u5dde\u4f4f\u85e4\u539f\u5e83\u56fd). According to available records, Hirokuni was active during the Genroku-Hoei era (1688-1711<\/strong>: Mid Edo period). Geishu is the domain in Akino province (today\u2019s Hiroshima prefecture). Geishu Jyu means he lived in this area when he forged this blade.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n\u00a0The first-gen Teruhiro, also known as Higo no Kami Fujiwara Teruhiro (\u80a5\u5f8c\u5b88\u85e4\u539f\u8f1d\u5e83), was originally from the Mino province (today\u2019s Gifu prefecture). He is known as an offspring of Kanetsune, one of the most famous swordsmiths.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 39.8 cm(\u00a0 15.67 inches)<\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 0.7 cm( 0.275 inches)<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/tousin2--scaled.jpg\")
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/katana-14.jpg\")
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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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/tuka-13-scaled.jpg\")
\u00a0 \u00a0 ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/tuka2-12-scaled.jpg\")
\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/tuba-10-scaled.jpg\")
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/touroku-14-scaled.jpg\")
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\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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/5623eabfdde4147c0ecdc704028c6ecd.jpg\")
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\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 300 Japanese swords to amazing owners who appreciate its historical value. <\/span><\/p>\n
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\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 CHF <\/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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/SSL_payment_1222-01-1.jpg\")
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\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
\n\u00a0Samurai’s hi<\/span>story 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><\/strong><\/p>\n
\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. 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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