{"id":25291,"date":"2022-02-23T14:57:19","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T05:57:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=25291"},"modified":"2022-10-11T17:09:13","modified_gmt":"2022-10-11T08:09:13","slug":"antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-katsushige-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/antique-japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-katsushige-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Antique Japanese Sword Wakizashi Signed by Katsushige
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon<\/strong> <\/span>Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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

Summary<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0This blade was signed by Katsushige (\u52dd\u91cd). According to available records, Katsushige was active during the Kanbun era (1661-1673: Early Edo period) in Ise province (Today’s Mie prefecture). He also resided in Owari province (today’s Aichi prefecture), judging from his remaining work. He belonged to Sengo school, and his master was Sengo Masashige. Katsushige received an honorable official title of Mikawa no Kami (\u4e09\u6cb3\u5b88) in his career and was one of the most prominent figures in the school.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0His maker’s name Katsushige has a special meaning in Japanese. \u52dd(Katsu) means victory, and \u91cd(Shige) means consecutive. It is said that many high-class Samurai found his maker’s name auspicious because his name signifies consecutive wins. We also assume there was much demand among high-class Samurai to order swords forged by Katsushige because Owari province(today’s Aichi prefecture) was active in martial arts during the early-mid Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sengo School<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Sengo school (\u5343\u624b\u6d3e) was originally founded by Muramasa, one of the most famous Japanese swordsmiths in history. The school was located in Kuwana city in Ise province (Mie prefecture).<\/span>
\nAnd the first-gen Sengo Masashige is said to have been an apprentice or the son of Muramasa during the late Muromachi period. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It is said that the school was named after the fact that the mother of the first-gen Muramasa had prayed to Senjyu Kannon (\u5343\u624b\u89b3\u97f3), a Buddhist god, to expect Muramasa. Muramasa believed that he was a child of this Buddhism god, and he named his school Sengo (\u5343\u5b50: different pronunciation but the same Kanji letter).<\/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>
\nCutting Edge Length(Nagasa)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a49.0 cm( 19.3 inches)<\/strong>
\nCurvature(Sori)<\/span><\/strong>\uff1a 1.1 cm( 0.43 inches)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

 <\/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

\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

 <\/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

This Fuchi Kashira has a simple look. As it does not have ornamental decorations such as gold or silver inlay, you can see and enjoy the color and texture of this metal material directly. Although there are minor damages due to aging, we hope you appreciate it as an antique texture.
\n\"\"
\nTsuka and Menuki<\/strong><\/span>\uff1aTsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It is challenging to imagine the entire figure of this Menuki by seeing from gaps of the Tsukamaki thread. We guess this motif might be the dragon because of its elongated body covered with scales. It seems the gold paint was initially applied to dragons’ bodies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Originally, the dragon was an imaginary creature found in ancient traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbolic beast 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.<\/span>
\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

\u00a0Mokkou-shaped Tsuba is made from iron. The inscription is engraved around the Nakago Ana (\u830e\u7a74, center hole). It is probably written as \u4f1a\u6d25\u25a1 \u6b63\u963f\u5f25\u5149\u8a18 (Aizu \u25a1: unclear, Shoami Mitsunori). Seeing this signature, we judge this Tsuba was made by a Shoami (\u6b63\u963f\u5f25) school\u2019s maker. It is said that the production of this style\u2019s Tsubas was from the Muromachi period (1336-1573) to the Edo period. According to a theory, the Shoami school originated in Kyoto prefecture, and in various places and each era, there were many craftsmen who called themselves the Shoami school. The Akita Shoami, the Aizu Shoami, and the Iyo Shoami exceedingly prospered among this school. Aizu was located in the Mutsu-no Kuni (\u9678\u5965\u56fd, today\u2019s Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, and Aomori prefecture). This area was one of the regions that the Tsuba production was flourished.\u00a0<\/span>
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Saya<\/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 (No.1014633)<\/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 Nov 9th in the 2nd year of Reiwa (2020). 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

\"\"<\/p>\n

Registration Number : <\/span><\/strong><\/span>Gifu 085106<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0The Board of Education in Gifu 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\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

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

\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 300 Japanese swords 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 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>
\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

\"\"<\/p>\n

* 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

\"\"<\/p>\n

\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

\u3010The Art of Nihonto(Japanese Sword)<\/strong>\u3011
\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

\u3010A Guide to Japanese Sword Maintenance<\/span><\/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. 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